Corrosion Improvement of 304L Stainless Steel by ZrSiN and ZrSi(N,O) Mono- and Double-Layers Prepared by Reactive Cathodic Arc Evaporation

Zr-based nitrides and oxynitrides were deposited by reactive cathodic arc evaporation in monolayer double-layer structures with the aim of increasing corrosion protection 304L stainless steel (SS) a biomedical aggressive environment. All coatings had total thickness 1.2 µm. Compared to bare substrate, surface roughness coated samples was higher, presence microdroplets being revealed scanning electron micrography (SEM). The X-ray diffraction investigation ZrN phases that peaks shifted towards lower Bragg angles lattice constants increased as result Si O2 inclusion lattice, ion bombardment characteristic method, augmented applied bias substrate. SS/ZrSiN/ZrSi(N,O) showed best performance an acidic environment (0.9% NaCl 6% H2O2; pH = 4), which ascribed blocking effect interfaces, acted barrier for electrolyte ingress. Moreover, aforementioned bilayer highest amount O composition top layer, forming stable passive layer beneficial effects on protection.