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Review
. 2023 Jul 10;16(14):4919.
doi: 10.3390/ma16144919.

PVD for Decorative Applications: A Review

Mariya Vorobyova  1   2 , Fabio Biffoli  1 , Walter Giurlani  1   2 , Stefano Mauro Martinuzzi  1   2 , Maximilian Linser  3 , Andrea Caneschi  2   4 , Massimo Innocenti  1   2   5   6
Affiliations
Review

PVD for Decorative Applications: A Review

Mariya Vorobyova et al. Materials (Basel). .

Abstract

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a widely utilized process in various industrial applications, serving as a protective and hard coating. However, its presence in fields like fashion has only recently emerged, as electroplating processes had previously dominated this reality. The future looks toward the replacement of the most hazardous and toxic electrochemical processes, especially those involving Cr(VI) and cyanide galvanic baths, which have been restricted by the European Union. Unfortunately, a complete substitution with PVD coatings is not feasible. Currently, the combination of both techniques is employed to achieve new aesthetic features, including a broader color range and diverse textures, rendering de facto PVD of primary interest for the decorative field and the fashion industry. This review aims to outline the guidelines for decorative industries regarding PVD processes and emphasize the recent advancements, quality control procedures, and limitations.

Keywords: PVD; coatings; decorative; fashion; magnetron; physical vapor deposition; sputtering; thin-film characterization.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Historical timeline of thin-film evolution connected to the most relevant events, which highlights the significant innovations in PVD techniques.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Fortune Business Insights estimation for the PVD market in the Asia Pacific Market for 2028, data from [24].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Number of publications per year from 1974 to 2023 on the “PVD” topic, data from [37].
Figure 4
Figure 4
Example of plasma production in magnetron sputtering system.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Schematic representation of most relevant physical vapor deposition techniques grouped by process type.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Schematic illustration of typical surface finishes for substrates such as stainless steel and brass.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Schematic description of main advantages and disadvantages of brass and steel as substrates.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Brass coupon with polished finish.
Figure 9
Figure 9
A flowchart representing the pre-treatments to which brass is subjected in a coating process consisting of both electroplating and PVD.
Figure 10
Figure 10
AISI 304 coupon with polished finish.
Figure 11
Figure 11
A flowchart about steel surface pre-treatments before entry inside the PVD chamber.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Example of a golden-colored TiN coating.
Figure 13
Figure 13
Example of a gray Cr coating.
Figure 14
Figure 14
Example of a black-colored DLC coating.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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