The CrN top layer and NiP interlayer were sequentially deposited to form a CrN/NiP composite coating through sputtering technique. The CrN/NiP coating systems deposited at 350 degrees C, 450 degrees C, and 550 degrees C, showed amorphous/nanocrystalline, nanocrystallize with precipitations, and fully crystallized microstructure respectively for the NiP interlayers. With the introduction of NiP interlayer, the coating assemblies exhibited superior corrosion characteristics than single CrN coatings. The amorphous Nip interlayer deposited at 350 degrees C revealed a lower corrosion current as compared to those with crystallized NiP layers owing to their structural defects in the alloy layer. With the combination of CrN and NiP layers the corrosion attach was retarded and a better corrosion resistance was found for the CrN/NiP composite coating. Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.