Adhesion and Corrosion of Ti, TiN and TiCrN Films Deposits on AISI 316L in SBF Solution

Abstract

Abstract. In the present work several films of Ti, TiN, and TiCrN have been coated on AISI 316L stainless steel substrates using magnetron sputtering techniques, in order to improve their surface properties. The morphology and structure of the coatings were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical performances skills in an SBF solution and the adhesion of these deposits were studied to understand these behaviors. From the results it was shown the TiCrN deposition presents the lowest corrosion resistance in the SBF solution, while TiN deposit is the most resistant to corrosion resistance in the same solutions, but its critical load (Lc3-TiN), is relatively low and has a risk of delamination which can limit its use. On the other hand, the Ti deposit exhibits a high resistance to corrosion and a high passivation (icorr (Ti) = 0.57 µA.cm-2 and Rp (Ti) = 67.98 KW.cm2). The critical load (Lc3-Ti = 43.38 N), the crack propagation resistance (CPRs-Ti = 81.64 N) and the scratch hardness (HSL-Ti = 125.75´1012 Pa) also testify to its high adhesion to the AISI 316L substrate. Thus the Ti deposit has proved to be the most favorable protective coating for AISI 316L stainless steel in SBF solution.