Influence of the Surface Roughness on Adhesion of Chrome Coatings on Alloy Tool Steel X165CRMOV12

Abstract

The influence of surface roughness on the coating adhesion of electrodeposited chrome coatings with different roughnesses, have been evaluated using scratch testing technique. Coatings were deposited on the high alloyed tool steel. Photographs of the scratch grooves were recorded by the built-in optical microscope, at moments when critical loads had been reached. Crack pattern development was investigated. Results indicated that the increase of surface roughness lowers coating adhesion. Rough surfaces promote early coating failure, extensive spallation and early exposure of the substrate material.