Preparation and Tribocorrosion Performance of Different Si-Doped TiSiN-Ag Coatings on Different Substrates in Seawater

Abstract

TiSiN-Ag composite coatings with different Si doping contents were prepared by multi-arc ion plating technology on 316L, TC4, and H65 copper substrates, respectively. The microstructure of the prepared coatings was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. The mechanical properties, electrochemical properties, and tribological properties were characterized by a micro-hardness tester, electrochemical workstation, scratch tester, and friction and wear tester, respectively. Results showed that the coatings with 8 wt.% Si doping content had a smaller average grain size, denser structure, excellent mechanical properties, and better anti-tribocorrosion performance than those with 5 wt.% Si doping content. The coating on the TC4 substrate with 8 wt.% Si doping content presented the best combination of properties and is a candidate for an anti-tribocorrosion material in seawater.