Deposition of Ti-based thin films on AISI 1020 steel substrates using the cathodic cage plasma deposition technique

The automotive industry is one of the largest industrial segments in the world market. The exhaust system of motor vehicles is responsible for the emission and treatment of toxic gasses released by the engine. In this sense, the application of titanium on an AISI 1020 steel substrate was carried out by plasma deposition using a cathode cage. The aim of this research was to evaluate the application of this material in the exhaust system of motor vehicles. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal microscopy (CM), microhardness tests and corrosion resistance tests. The samples exhibited a thin film with higher titanium content and hardness than the uncoated sample. The corrosion potential also increased and the current density was lower than the uncoated sample. The conclusion is that the deposition of thin titanium films on AISI 1020 steel with CCPD has the potential to produce thin films. (author)