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Ion-beam mixing of Fe/B layers for tribological applications

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6952307

Ion-beam mixing of iron and boron deposited layers was investigated as a technique to produce improved tribological coatings on steel substrates. Analysis of the kinetics of the ion-mixing process indicated that processing temperatures between 300 and 450{degree}C were required to achieve mixing of iron and boron multilayered coatings. During film deposition, it is critical to avoid deposition processes such as rf sputtering that trap large quantities of inert gases in the growing films and form blisters during subsequent ion mixing at elevated temperatures. Tribological evaluation of annealed and ion-mixed coatings indicated that the major effect of the ion mixing is formation of hard, wear-resistant, polycrystalline Fe{sub 2}B and Fe{sub 3}B phases at 450{degree}C and amorphous layers at 300{degree}C. Under partially lubricated conditions, the hard phases increase the duration of a low-friction (coefficient of friction <0.2) regime by reducing wear, thereby maintaining a low surface roughness. Under boundary-lubrication conditions, reduced wear was observed in tests on ion-mixed samples and was found to be dependent on the humidity in the test environment. 16 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/CE
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
6952307
Report Number(s):
CONF-901071-1; ON: DE90010091
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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