Corrosion and tribocorrosion performance of M (MTa, Ti) doped amorphous carbon multilayers in Hank's solution

Amorphous carbon (a-C) and Ta- or Ti-doped a-C multilayer films are deposited onto Ti6Al4V alloy by an industrial closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering. The corrosion and tribocorrosion performances of these films are investigated in Hank's solution at 37°C. The a-C film exhibits enhanced wear and corrosion resistance compared with the bare Ti6Al4V alloy, but the cracks propagate during the tribocorrosion process, which leads to serious breakage. Interestingly, the tribocorrosion resistance of a-C film is improved by introducing Ta- or Ti-doped multilayered structure. The high mechanical properties (high hardness and low residual stress), good corrosion, and wear resistance of Ta- and Ti-doped a-C multilayer films make them excellent protective materials for artificial joints. The wear and corrosion resistance of Ti6Al4V alloy are enhanced by a-C film to some extent, but the a-C film partially breaks during tribocorrosion test. Interestingly, the tribocorrosion resistance of a-C film is improved by introducing Ta- or Ti-doped multilayered structure. [Display omitted] •Ta- and Ti-doped a-C multilayer films have a plenty of interfaces.•Ta- or Ti-doped a-C multilayers show higher hardness and toughness than a-C film.•Ta-doped a-C multilayers presents enhanced corrosion resistance.•Ta- or Ti-doped multilayered structure improves the tribocorrosion performance.