Corrosion resistance and antifouling activities of silver-doped CrN coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering

The CrN-Ag composite coatings with various silver contents were prepared on 316L stainless steel by magnetron sputtering. The corrosion performance and antifouling properties (including anti-algae and antibacterial behaviors) of coatings in the artificial seawater were evaluated to give insight to potential marine applications. Results revealed that Ag-doped coatings exhibited worse corrosion resistance with increased silver, which indicated silver accelerated the reaction of the primary battery and promoted the occurrence of corrosion. However, opposite tendency was presented on anti-algae behavior. The coatings containing silver content of 13.18 at.% showed excellent anti-algae properties, and better antibacterial properties against Bacillus subtilis than Escherichia coli. The attachment of Chlorella, N. closterium and P. tricornutum on the surface of coating reduces by about 45%, 72% and 64%, respectively. The agglomerate of silver in the coatings with 18.37 at.% constrains its release and diffuse, which slowed down the corrosion reaction, embodying positive influence on corrosion resistance and negative effect on anti-algae behavior.