Surface modification of AISI-304 steel by ZnO synthesis using cathodic cage plasma deposition

Abstract

Zinc-oxide (ZnO), a solid lubricant coating, can increase the wear resistance of steels by working as a self-lubricant. In this study, ZnO film is synthesized using the cathodic cage plasma deposition (CCPD) technique, using galvanized steel cathodic cage (steel cage with zinc coating). The effect of gas composition (H2 is added in Ar-O2) is investigated to optimize the film properties. The surface hardness is increased more than twice in each processing condition. The deposited film shows ZnO phases for samples treated with low hydrogen contents and a combination of ZnO and magnetite phase (Fe3O4) with higher hydrogen contents. The thickness of film reduced from 1.28 μm to 0.5 μm by increasing the hydrogen composition. The wear resistance is expressively increased by film deposition, and the abrasive wear mechanism is changed to an adhesive wear mechanism. A significant decrease in wear rate is observed, specifically by increasing the hydrogen contents. The friction coefficient as a function of sliding distance is smoother and lower than the base material in each condition. This study suggests that the CCPD technique can effectively deposit the solid lubricant coating of ZnO, and it can be used to enhance the tribological properties of steel samples. Moreover, this technique is convenient due to its better deposition efficiency, eco-friendly (no chemicals are involved), simple and relatively low-cost equipment, and low processing temperature. Thus, it can be advantageous for industrial sectors interested in materials with exceptional tribological properties.

Nanocomposites Thin Films: Manufacturing and Applications

“…Nanocomposites Thin Films: Manufacturing and Applications DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.103961 technique, the cage functions as a cathode in which a potential difference that acts only in the cage is applied (for the case of deposition), because the sample remains isolated on an alumina disc [26][27][28]. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the spatial arrangement of the sample and cage in the sample holder.…”

“…The CCPD technique can be used for oxide and nitride deposition, deposition, desorption, and diffusion. It allows the deposition of thin films of high hardness, high wear, and corrosion resistance [26][27][28][29][30].…”

Surface modification of AISI-420 steel by cathodic cage plasma niobium nitride deposition

“…Niobium nitride coating by this technique is expected to provide exceptional surface properties and better adhesion with the substrate. 22,23 CCPD is widely reported to deposit numerous coatings, such as copper, 24 silver, 25 zinc, 26 aluminium, 27 titanium, 28 nickel, 29 and Hastelloy. 30 Previously, 31 this system was used for synthesising molybdenum oxide and zinc oxide coating on steel, with excellent mechanical and tribological performance.…”

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of (Ti, Nb)C Ceramic-Reinforced 316L Stainless Steel Coating by Laser Cladding

“…The 316L stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance and good toughness, and has been extensively applied in the marine, medical, machinery, oil and gas pipeline industries, and other fields [1][2][3]. However, as austenitic stainless steel, the low hardness and poor wear resistance of 316L stainless steel limit its wider application [4][5][6][7].…”