A boron-doped diamond like carbon coating with high hardness and low friction coefficient

In this study, boron carbide (B4C) was reactively sputtered with acetylene to form a boron containing diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. The flow rate of acetylene significantly affects the composition and thus the mechanical behavior of the coating. When optimal acetylene flow rate was used (10 scc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Wear 2019-10, Vol.436-437, p.203031, Article 203031
Main Authors: Ren, Zhencheng, Qin, Haifeng, Dong, Yalin, Doll, G.L., Ye, Chang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acetylene
Armor
Boron
Boron carbide
Boron carbide doping
Coefficient of friction
Diamond-like carbon
Diamond-like carbon films
Flow velocity
Friction
Friction resistance
Hardness
Mechanical properties
Physical vapor deposition
Pin-on-disk
Precipitates
Protective coatings
Raman
Roller bearings
Substrates
Tungsten
Wear resistance
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Summary:In this study, boron carbide (B4C) was reactively sputtered with acetylene to form a boron containing diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. The flow rate of acetylene significantly affects the composition and thus the mechanical behavior of the coating. When optimal acetylene flow rate was used (10 sccm in this study), the coating has a B/C ratio of ~1% and possesses the high hardness of B4C and the low friction of DLC in addition to good adhesion with the 52100 steel substrate. It was found that the new coating consisted of nanocrystalline boron carbide precipitates homogeneously distributed in an amorphous hydrocarbon matrix forming a boron-doped a-C:H film. The new coating exhibited wear resistance superior to a commercial W-doped DLC coating currently used on rolling element bearings and gears. The best wear resistance and lowest friction coefficients were obtained in coatings with a B/C ratio of ~1%. •Boron carbide was reactively sputtered with acetylene to form a boron containing diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating.•Boron carbide precipitates homogeneously distribute in an amorphous hydrocarbon matrix forming a boron-doped a-C:H film.•The new coating combines the high hardness of boron carbide and the low friction of DLC.•Its wear resistance is superior to a commercial W-doped DLC coating currently used on rolling element bearings and gears.
ISSN:0043-1648
1873-2577
DOI:10.1016/j.wear.2019.203031