Cu oxidation mechanism on Cu-Zr(O)N coatings: Role on functional properties

Zirconium oxynitride (Zr(O)N) and Copper-Zirconium oxynitrides (Cu-Zr(O)N) were deposited by a DC reactive magnetron sputtering technique on stainless steel substrates. A duty cycle controller was used to obtain different oxygen contents in the developed films chemical activation procedure carried out copper oxides. The samples structurally characterized SEM, EDS, XRD XPS. Additional functional features evaluated according colour variation inhibition halo tests. Zr(O)N Cu-Zr(O)N surfaces showed wide from golden black tones, progressing through intermediate tones such as purple, blue ‘bluish’ grey. An antibacterial effect only obtained after of Cu-ZrON-DC100, which matrix incapable catching more deposition. After, with additional availability O2? ions, Cu present coating reacted these ions forming CuO. mechanism associated aforementioned characterizations ICP-OES spectroscopy. Cu2+ release had no influence although presence CuO decisive obtaining an behaviour. acquired results demonstrated potential multifunctionality coatings, joining aesthetical surface effect.