Investigation of the Structural, Mechanical, Tribological and Electrochemical Properties of B4C Films Deposited by Different Techniques

Because of its superior mechanical properties, excellent thermal stability, high wear and heat resistance and remarkable resistance to chemical agents, B4C films are extensively utilized in a variety of industries, including armor materials and wear-resistant components. B4C films can be coated in a variety of ways. This study was aimed to obtain optimum structural, mechanical and tribological properties of B4C films grown by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) and RF magnetron sputtering techniques. The structural properties of the B4C films were investigated by SEM and XPS analysis. The tribological properties and the electrochemical properties were carried out using a wear tester and a corrosion tester, respectively. Examining the observed polarization resistance reveals that AISI 4140 steel has the lowest resistance (15.33 × 106 Ω cm2) and the B4C film with EPD has the highest resistance (347.5 × 106 Ω cm2). It was also observed that B4C films significantly reduced the coefficient of friction of the AISI 4140 steels. The AISI 4140 substrate and B4C films coated by RF magnetron sputtering and EPD have wear rates of 1.45*10−4 mm2/Nm, 1.22*10−4 mm2/Nm, and 9*10−4 mm2/Nm, respectively. © The Author(s) 2025.