Evaluation of Corrosion Resistance of Thin Films Formed on AISI 316L Steel by Plasma Using Hastelloy as Cathodic Cage

Herein, the use of Hastelloy C-276 as a cathodic cage for the deposition of thin films on the AISI 316L steel substrate by plasma is investigated. The films are processed through floating potential at 350, 375, 400, and 425 degrees C for 4 h, using a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture in the proportion of 40% and 60%, respectively. The thin films are investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization. The spectroscopy results point out the formation of different phases such as FeNi3, CrNi, and MoN1/2. Films acquired at 375 oC present superior corrosion resistance with less negative corrosion potential (-0.020 V). The increase and decrease in FeNi3 and CrNi contents follow the improvement of the applied temperature, which is unbeneficial to the corrosion resistance of the films.