Christopher Rincon

Microstructure and tribological performance of nanocomposite Ti–Si–C–N coatings deposited using hexamethyldisilazane precursor

Thick nanocomposite Ti–Si–C–N coatings (20–30 μm) were deposited on Ti–6Al–4V substrate by magnetron sputtering of Ti in a gas mixture of Ar, N2, and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) under various deposition conditions. Microstructure and composition of the coatings were studied using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, while the mechanical and tribological properties of these coatings were studied using Rc indentation, and micro- and nanoindentations, solid particle erosion testing, and ball-on-disk wear testing. It has been observed that the Si concentration of these coatings is varied from 0% (TiN) to 15% (Ti–Si–C–N), while the structure of these coatings is similar to the nanocomposite Ti–Si–N coatings and consists of nanocrystalline B1 structured Ti(C,N) in an amorphous matrix of SiCxNy with the grain size of 5−>100 nm, depending on the coating preparation process. These coatings exhibit excellent adhesion when subjected to Rc indentation tests. The ...

Mechanical, Microstructural and Tribological Properties of Low-Surface Energy DLC Coatings

This presentation discusses a study of low surface energy (LSE) diamondlike carbon (DLC) films. Plasma immersion ion deposition (PIID) technique was used to prepare various DLC films on silicon and 316 stainless steel (SS) substrates. To study the film properties and search for optimal coatings with lower surface energy, low friction and high wear resistance, various precursors were used to prepare the DLC film. The coating microstructures were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM); the mechanical properties were characterized using nano-indentation; the tribological properties were studied using a pin-on-disc tribometer; and the surface energy (contact angle) was measured.© 2006 ASME