More importantly, the carbonaceous phase formed inside the coating and the
graphite-like material generated on the friction contact surface
endowed the CrCN coating lower friction coefficient than the CrN
coating not only in ambient air but also in distilled water and
seawater. Due to the superior mechanical properties, the better
anti-corrosion performance and the lower friction coefficient, the
CrCN coating exhibited lower wear rate than the CrN coating in
seawater, which demonstrated the great potential of the CrCN
coating.