Structure, mechanical, and tribological properties of C:Ni nanocomposite films grown by IBAD

The mechanical and tribological properties of nanostructured carbon:nickel films on silicon substrates are investigated using a multi-scale experimental and theoretical approach. The C:Ni nanostructures comprising either tilted columns or three-dimensionally self-organized nanopatterns are grown by ion-beam assisted deposition (IBAD). Complex layer architectures were obtained by sequential deposition by rotating the substrate in relation to the assisting ion beam after each deposition step. Atomic composition of the films was determined by ion beam analysis. The phase structure of carbon was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, that of nickel by X-ray diffraction. The microstructure of the films was determined by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The films show good adhesion as probed by scratch tests. The film hardness is on the order of 20 GPa, and the elastic modulus is at about 200 GPa. Friction coefficients on the order of 0.1 are found for oscillating wear conditions under ambient conditions. Atomistic computer simulations were applied to assist the experimental findings. Dry and liquid contacts are considered. The simulation shows a complex behaviour for the carbon-carbon interaction, e.g. resulting in the formation of a tribo-layer.