Corrosion properties of steel protected by nanometre-thick oxide coatings.

Highlights: [•] 40–50nm mixed alumina–tantala coatings were grown by atomic layer deposition. [•] Effects of substrate surface finish and oxide mix were analysed. [•] Nanolaminate stacks are better resistant to breakdown. [•] Localised corrosion occurs at pre-existing coating defects exposing substrate sites. [•] Substrate brushing and H2–Ar plasma pre-treatment hinder pit initiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]