Superlow Friction of Diamond-Like Carbon Films: A Relation to Viscoplastic Properties

Composition, structure, electrical, optical, mechanical properties and tribological behavior of diamond-like carbon films (DLC) are strongly dependent on the deposition system. Some hydrogenated amorphous carbon films (a-C:H) may exhibit superlow friction properties in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). The p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Tribology letters 2004-11, Vol.17 (4), p.709-714
Main Authors: Fontaine, J., Loubet, J. L., Mogne, T. Le, Grill, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carbon
Coefficient of friction
Dependence
Diamond-like carbon films
Friction
Hardness
High vacuum
Hydrogenation
Mechanical properties
Modulus of elasticity
Nanoindentation
Optical properties
Plasma
Stiffness
Strain rate
Tribology
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Summary:Composition, structure, electrical, optical, mechanical properties and tribological behavior of diamond-like carbon films (DLC) are strongly dependent on the deposition system. Some hydrogenated amorphous carbon films (a-C:H) may exhibit superlow friction properties in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). The present paper compares tribological and mechanical properties of several DLC films prepared under different conditions. Friction coefficients were measured in an analytical ultra-high vacuum tribometer. The mechanical properties were evaluated from force-displacement curves using a nanoindentation instrument. Making use of continuous stiffness mode, Young's modulus and hardness were determined as a function of indentation depth. The measurements were performed at constant strain rates by special control of the load during indentation. We were, thus, able to determine the dependence of hardness on strain rate, characterizing a viscoplastic behavior. Many of the hydrogenated amorphous carbon films studied were significantly viscoplastic. The aim of this paper is to highlight the correlation between superlow friction and viscoplastic behavior.
ISSN:1023-8883
1573-2711
DOI:10.1007/s11249-004-8077-x