Study of CNx films on 316L stainless steel for orthodontic application

In order to improve the friction property and corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel (316LSS) in orthodontic application, carbon nitride (CNx) films were synthesized by using IBAD technique at a set of assisted N ion beam currents. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the bonding state and the microstructure of the CNx films. Results of tribological tests indicated that the 316LSS coated by CNx films exhibited lower friction coefficients than the uncoated one both in air and in artificial saliva. The electrochemical tests in artificial saliva confirmed that the corrosion resistance of 316LSS was evidently improved after coated with CNx films.