Effect of Ag coatings prepared by magnetron sputtering on the wear properties of Ti6Al4V alloy

Abstract Ag coatings were prepared on the surface of Ti6Al4V alloy by magnetron sputtering technique, and the effects of different Ag target power and sputtering time on the coating properties were investigated. The coating thickness was firstly measured by a step meter, and then the coatings obtained under different parameters were characterized by Vickers hardness tester, scratch tester, and friction wear tester. The variation in the furnace temperature had a significant effect on the hardness of the coatings: the coating thickness increased slightly with increasing temperature, but the increase was not dramatical. The Vickers hardness of the coatings showed a tendency to increase and then decrease with increasing temperature, reaching a peak at 150 °C. The hardness of the coatings was found to increase with increasing temperature and then decrease with increasing temperature. Scratch tests further showed that the coatings prepared in the range of 150 °C to 180 °C exhibited superior bond strength with the substrate. The wear morphology of the coatings showed that the coatings prepared at 150 °C had the best wear resistance. At this temperature, the flaking of the coating due to adhesive wear was significantly reduced, and the depth of scratches due to abrasive wear was also reduced. The variation of the Ag target power also had a significant effect on the hardness of the coatings. As the target power increases, the coating thickness increases significantly, and the Vickers hardness increases and then decreases, reaching a maximum at 12 W. The coatings prepared at 10 W show better performance in terms of scratch and wear patterns. These experimental results provide strong data support for the subsequent preparation of Ti6Al4V joint prostheses.