Nanocrystalline carbide/amorphous carbon composites
- Wright Laboratory, Materials Directorate, WL/MLBT, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433-7750 (United States)
Nanocrystalline TiC/amorphous carbon (a-C) composite films were synthesized at near room temperature with a hybrid process combining laser ablation of graphite and magnetron sputtering of titanium. Film microstructure was investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction analyses, and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanical properties were evaluated from nanoindentation, scratch, and friction tests. The films consisted of 10 nm sized TiC crystallites encapsulated in a sp{sup 3} bonded a-C matrix. They had a hardness of about 32 GPa and a remarkable plasticity (40{percent} in indentation deformation) at loads exceeding their elastic limit. They were also found to have a high scratch toughness in addition to a low (about 0.2) friction coefficient. The combination of hardness and ductility was correlated with film phase composition and structural analyses, using concepts of nanocomposite mechanics. The properties of the TiC/a-C composites make them beneficial for surface wear and friction protection. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}
- OSTI ID:
- 531746
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 82, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: Jul 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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