Al xTa yO z Mixture Coatings Prepared Using Atomic Layer Deposition for Corrosion Protection of Steel.

Atomic layer deposited (ALD) 50 nm Al _xTa _yO _z mixture coatings are grown on steel for corrosion protection. In morphological and compositional analyses the coatings are found to be uniform, conformal, well-adhered, and low in defect density. Corrosion protection properties are evaluated with polarization measurements and neutral salt spray (NSS) testing. The sealing properties of the mixtures improve with increasing aluminum oxide content, whereas the protection durability improves with increasing tantalum oxide content. In comparison to single-layer and nano-laminate ALD Al₂O₃ and Ta₂O₅ coatings, all mixtures are found to have better protective properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]