Enhancing anti-corrosion and antifouling properties of Cu/GLC composite film for marine application

Graphite-like carbon films with various Cu contents (Cu/GLC films) were successfully deposited on 304 stainless steel substrates via RF/DC magnetron sputtering techniques. The effects of Cu dopant on the microstructure, tribological performance, mechanical properties, antifouling ability and corrosion resistant of Cu/GLC composite films are systematically investigated. The results indicate that the sp2/sp3 ratio of Cu/GLC films increased with the increase of Cu content. The tribological performance and adhesion strength of Cu/GLC films are significantly improved due to the addition of Cu. In particular, the algae adhesion test demonstrates that the algae adhesion rate of Cu/GLC films could reduce from 6.87% to 0.82%. Moreover, the anti-corrosion capability of Cu/GLC film increases and then decreases as the change of Cu content. The antifouling ability and anti-corrosion performance of Cu/GLC films are significantly improved compared with pure GLC film. In short, the GLC film with 7.4–9.3 at.% Cu display the best comprehensive performance, combining friction, antifouling and anti-corrosion properties. This indicates that the as-prepared Cu/GLC films could be suitable for using as a promising protective material in marine environments.