The influence of corrosive medium on the selected tribological properties of ZrSi-based nitride and oxynitride deposited on 316L stainless steel

Targeting to restore the function of load-bearing joints which are subjected to high levels of friction and wear during the normal activity, the aim of the current study was to assess the extent of the role played by the corrosive environment on the underlaying tribological mechanism. In this study we deposited by reactive cathodic arc evaporation technique ∼ 1 μm thick, stoichiometric ZrSi-based nitrides and oxynitrides coatings, either as monolayer or double-layer structure on 316L steel substrates. Tribological tests were conducted in dry and two commonly used corrosive environments: Ringer and 0.9 % NaCl solutions. We demonstrate that the ZrSiN and ZrSi(N,O) coatings improved the wear performance of 316L stainless steel in biological environments, reaching even ∼ 94 % improvement as compared with the bare substrate for the ZrSi(N,O) coating. •ZrSi nitride and oxynitride were deposited by cathodic arc as mono- and double-layer.•316L/ZrSi(N,O)/ZrSiN presented the best mechanical properties.•Best tribological properties in dry and wet medium were obtained for 316L/ZrSi(N,O).•Results infer the use of coatings for tribo-implants with extended lifetime service.