Chromium nitride is very hard and is extremely resistant to corrosion. It is an interstitial compound, with nitrogen atoms occupying the octahedral holes in the chromium lattice: as such, it is not strictly a chromium(III) compound nor does it contain nitride ions (N3?).

Crystal structure

The structure of chromium nitride is Cubic, NaCl Structure , with nitrogen atoms occupying the octahedral holes in the chromium lattice: as such, it is not strictly a chromium(III) compound nor does it contain nitride ions (N3?).

Features

Features are high toughness, good resistance to corrosion, anti-adhesive and detaching properties, and a reduced coefficient of friction, all together with a moderate hardness.

Chromium Nitride can be deposited at low temperatures, around 250 °C.

Uses

Chromium Nitride is an extremely hard, inert, thin film coating that is applied primarily to precision metal parts. Chrome Nitride (CrN) offers greater temperature resistance than TiN and is an ideal choice in high-temperature environments. CrN also performs well in corrosive environments and sliding wear applications.

Synthesis

Chromium(III) nitride can be prepared by direct combination of chromium and nitrogen at 800 ℃:

2 Cr + N2 → 2 CrN

It can also be synthesized by Physical Vapour Deposition techniques such as Cathodic arc deposition.