Influence of using different titanium cathodic cage plasma deposition configurations on the mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties of AISI 304 stainless steel

The widespread application of AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel is mainly due to its high corrosion resistance. However, its field of application can be expanded by improving its tribological properties. This work deposited thin films on AISI 304 steel substrates through different plasma treatments using a titanium cathodic cage to evaluate which configuration best combines the films' mechanical, tribological, and corrosion resistance properties. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Vickers microhardness, Rockwell C adhesion, fixed-sphere micro-abrasion wear, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. The simultaneous duplex treatment sample exhibited the best wear resistance results. It was the film with the lowest loss of corrosion resistance compared to the untreated substrate, highlighting the efficiency of this technique in obtaining surfaces with good mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties obtained in treatment times shorter than conventional duplex treatment.