Ion-beam assisted deposited C–N coating on magnesium alloys

In this study, thin carbon nitride (CN) coating was made on magnesium (Mg) alloy (AZ31) substrate by ion beam assisted deposition. The morphology, composition and phase structure of the coating were investigated by scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy and contact angle test were used to analyze surface properties. In addition, mechanical properties were investigated by nanoindentation technique. The results of the properties of CN coating on the Mg alloy substrate provide useful information for the biological applications in the future.