Tribocorrosion Behavior of [Ticn/Tinbcn]n Coating on Austenitic Steels Substrate in Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution

Abstract

Multilayer coatings [ TiCN / TiNbCN ] n were fabricated with periods of bilayers 1, 50 and 200 deposited on substrates of austenitic steels type fermanal, using R.F. reactive magnetron sputtering with a radio frequency source (13.56 MHz) and two TiC and Nb targets. The multilayers were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The tribo – electrochemical behavior simulating hostile body environment was evaluated by testing tribocorrosion ( combination of wear and corrosion in aqueous environment ) which were carried out with a Gamry PCI 4 equipment to which adapted a pin on disk tribometer, the tests were made immersed in Hanks solution (Hanks balanced salt solution). A cell comprising a platinum counter-electrode, an Ag/AgCl reference electrode and the and a working electrode ( austenitic steels) at a temperature of 37 ± 0.2 ° C. the evaluation tests were performed using electrochemical techniques of Tafel polarization curves. Regarding the results, the hard coating [ TiCN / TiNbCN ] n improved polarization resistance and lower coefficient of friction than that reported for the substrate is provided , which indicates a good resistance to corrosion and wear.