Application of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Decorative Coatings on Fancy Goods Accessories

The results of a secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) study on Ag and ZrN decorative coatings on nickel and white bronze substrates for fancy goods accessories are presented. It was found that for Ag coatings, an intense diffusion of Cr from the adhesion layer between the coating and the substrate is observed, and corrosion testing in an acetic salt (CH3COOH+NaCl) atmosphere leads to the almost complete degradation of such coatings. ZrN coatings on white bronze turned out to be the most resistant to Cr diffusion and corrosion processes.