Synthesis and Characterization of (C, N)-Alloyed Stainless Steel Coatings by High Energy Ion Assisted Magnetron Sputtering Deposition

In this article, (C, N) alloyed austenitic stainless steel coatings (SSC) (or hybrid S-phase with both carbon and nitrogen) were produced by a magnetron sputtering deposition process combined with ion implantation (CMSII). This technique involves a periodical high energy ion bombardment of the coating during its growth, which has a beneficial effect on the structure and properties of the deposited coating. The influence of the nitrogen and carbon addition to the deposition atmosphere on the structure, chemical composition, and coating morphology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and glow discharge optical spectrometry (GDOS) techniques. Wear tests were carried out and the results were compared with low temperature plasma nitrided austenitic stainless steel. Corrosion behavior in Ringer's solution was also evaluated.