Investigation of microstructure, tribological, and corrosion behaviors of TiN@AISI 316 CN processed by rf plasma

Abstract
In order to enhance the tribological and corrosion properties of AISI 316 substrate, rf plasma carbonitriding was involved
to form a carbonitrided layer on AISI 316 base substrate. The deposition of TiN top layer was executed engaging titanium
nitride target in argon plasma atmosphere. All the deposition working parameters were reserved to be constant excepting
the deposition period that was altered from 4 to 20 min. The effect of TiN top layer thickness on the structure, tribological
and electrochemical characteristics of TiN@AISI 316 CN duplex treatment was explored. It was demonstrated, that
the duplex coating enhanced the hardness (max: 1740 HV0.025 for TiN (1325nm)@AISI 316 CN sample) and improved
the wear and corrosion resistance. Besides, the coefficient of friction is reduced to 0.12–0.2 for TiN@AISI 316 CN duplex
treated samples compared with untreated AISI 316 which recorded a value of 0.47.