Research Information System
JOURNAL OF THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE OF GAZI UNIVERSITY, vol.40, no.2, pp.1233-1248, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Figure A demonstrates the whole process starting with the electrodeposition of Cu(Ag) in a deep eutectic solvent, known for its green nature, and continuing with SEM-EDS analysis to confirm the uniform distribution of Cu(Ag) with mass percentage, the surface profilometry analysis to confirm nanoscale roughness, Tafel analysis to confirm the Cu(Ag) film's better corrosion resistance than the commonly applied copper, bacterial resistance test to demonstrate the Cu(Ag) film's superior bacterial resistance than AISI 430. Purpose: Due to antibacterial properties of copper, various studies have been carried out in recent years on the modification of steel surfaces with copper plating. However, the soft nature of copper reveals relatively weak surfaces prone to suffering from mechanical impact and corrosion. The present study aimed at a type of surface modification by electrochemical coating of steel substrates with Cu(Ag) for better corrosion and antibacterial properties without sacrificing hardness. T heory and Methods: AISI 430 substrate is an iron rich steel type, and therefore its electrochemical deposition is relatively difficult compared to other types of steels, such AISI 316. The surface of AISI 430 was modified by electrodeposition in relatively green non-aqueous solvents with nano-rough corrosion- resistant and antibacterial Cu(Ag) films. Electrochemical corrosion experiments and antibacterial test were carried out to evaluate the produced Cu(Ag) coated substrates. Results: Uniform, crack free coating of steel substrate in deep eutectic solvent was found to be applicable with correct surface treatment. Both corrosion resistance and hardness of the produced Cu(Ag) coated samples were superior to the base substrate. Antibacterial properties of the modified surface were found far better than the AISI430, and a little inferior to Cu. Conclusion: The idea of the study had emerged after increasing attention on surface modification studies in recent years, especially with copper plating, to increase the antibacterial properties. With the study, the surface of AISI430 steel was modified with electrochemically formed Cu(Ag) films in relatively green solutions. Moreover, the obtained surface properties showed more anti-corrosion and hardness properties compared to copper, while exhibiting notable antibacterial properties. Materials that are frequently used in hospitals are subject to a renewal period due to corrosion and damage to the material surface. In the simplest terms, the increase in corrosion resistance and surface hardness will result in a prolongation of the renewal period.