Study on corrosion properties of sputter coating of oxides on stainless steels

To improve the corrosion resistivity of steels, the effect of oxide coating has been studied. Various oxides were coated on stainless steels by r.f. sputtering and corrosion properties of the steels were examined in acidic solutions. Structural defects, pinholes, were inevitable in the sputter-coated oxides. The defect probability was determined by electrochemical measurements and direct observations using a liquid crystal. The anodic current was analyzed assuming current flow through the defects. The corrosion properties were discussed, taking the electrical charge on the surface of oxides in solutions into account.