Synthesis and tribocorrosion performances of multilayer (Ta/ZrN) n coatings

Multilayer thin coatings (similar to 3 mu m in thickness) were deposited using reactive radio frequency magnetron sputtering on Ti-6Al-4 V substrate for biomaterial applications. Films are a combination of hard zirconium nitride with pure tantalum, used to manage interfacial stress and to avoid crack growth. Alternating hard/ductile material is a biomimetic design inspired by nature (nacre-inspired materials). Tribocorrosion tests were performed in Hank's solution at 37 degrees C, under open circuit potential by using a ball-on-disk reciprocating tribometer. A tendency to high resistance against corrosion was found for all the samples. Coatings with a top 100 nm thick ZrN layer showed more noble potential as well as a reduction of both the friction coefficient and the wear rate during the sliding phase. The principal wear mechanism is related to a tribocorrosion layer formation.

Automated summary

This study deposited multilayer thin coatings using reactive radio frequency magnetron sputtering on a Ti-6Al-4 V substrate for biomaterial applications. The coatings consist of hard zirconium nitride and pure tantalum, which effectively manage interfacial stress and prevent crack growth. Tribocorrosion tests showed that the coatings have high resistance against corrosion.