Deposition and properties of TiN/carbon multilayers for corrosion protection of steel

H. Kupfer, F. Richter
Technische Universität Chemnitz
Institut für Physik
09107 Chemnitz, Germany

S. Friedrich, H.-J. Spies
TU Bergakademie Freiberg
Institut für Werkstofftechnik
09596 Freiberg, Germany

TiN/carbon multilayers for corrosion protection of steel were deposited using d.c. magnetronsputtering. Cross-section TEM pictures revealed a dense and fine-grained polycrystalline TiN structure whereas the carbon sublayers proved to be amorphous. Nodular growth defects connected with deep gaps were frequently observed: these are due to macroscopic carbon particles emitted by the graphite target. These defects are the most important cause for corrosive attack. The pitting potential of the multilayers was increased in comparison with both TiN and carbon single layers.