The overall performance of multilayered TiN/CrN coatings suggests that they may show improved corrosion resistance compared to a single layer. Three TiN/CrN coatings deposited on 316L stainless steel substrates by radio frequency magnetron sputtering were evaluated under potentiodynamic, potentiostatic and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was performed for 168 h in a corrosive environment at 70 degrees C to determine the coating performance at +600 mV(SCE) under the simulated cathodic conditions in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. The results showed high protective efficiency and charge transfer resistance with decreasing inner layer thickness. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of a TiN/CrN(111) preferred orientation along with TiN/CrN (200) at thinner TiN layer. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.