Chromium Nitride (CrN) coatings have widespread utilization across numerous industrial applications, primarily attributed to their excellent properties. Among the different methods for CrN coating synthesis, direct current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) has been the dominant technique applied. Nonetheless, with the expanded applications of CrN coatings, the need for enhanced mechanical performance is concurrently escalating. High-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), an innovative coating deposition approach developed over the past three decades, is gaining recognition for its capability of yielding coatings with superior mechanical attributes, thereby drawing significant research interest. Considering that the mechanical performance of a coating is fundamentally governed by its microstructural properties, a comprehensive review of CrN coatings fabricated through both techniques is presented. This review of recent literature aims to embark on an insightful comparison between DCMS and HiPIMS, followed by an examination of the microstructure of CrN coatings fabricated via both techniques. Furthermore, the exploration of the underlying factors contributing to the disparities in mechanical properties observed in CrN coatings is revealed. An assessment of the advantages and potential shortcomings of HiPIMS is discussed, offering insight into CrN coating fabrication.

Copper-based diamond composites have been the focus of many investigations for higher thermal conductivity applications. However, the natural non-wetting behavior between diamond particles and copper matrix makes it difficult to fabricate copper-based diamond composites with high thermal conductivity. Thus, to promote wettability between copper and diamond particles, the copper/diamond interface must be modified by coating alloying elements on the diamond surface or by adding active alloying elements with carbon in the copper matrix. In this paper, we review the research progress on copper-based diamond composites, including theoretical models for calculating the thermal conductivity and the effect of process parameters on the thermal conductivity of copper-based diamond composites. The factors that affect interfacial thermal conductivity are emphatically analyzed in this review. Finally, the current problems of copper-based diamond composites and future research trends are recommended.

Supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO₂) has the advantages of amphoteric liquid and gas, which possesses many unique characteristics, such as good compressibility, high density, high solubility, good fluidity and low viscosity. The Brayton cycle with S-CO₂ is considered to have many promising applications, especially for power conversion industries. However, the corrosion and degradation of structural materials hinder the development and application of the Brayton cycle with S-CO₂. Nickel-based alloys have the best corrosion resistance in S-CO₂ environments compared to austenitic stainless steels and ferritic/martensitic steels. Thus, the present article mainly reviews the corrosion behaviour of nickel-based alloys in S-CO₂ under high temperature and pressure. The effect of alloying elements and environment parameters on the corrosion behaviour of different nickel-based alloys are systematically summarized. The conclusion and outlook are given at the end.

• EG significantly suppressed oxidation-induced carbonyl content increase. • The EG protected the secondary structures of oxidized MP. • High concentrations of EG improved the gelling properties of oxidized MP. • High concentrations of EG suppressed oxidation-induced transformation of immobilized water to free water in MP gel.