Influence of the magnetic field on DLC coatings grown by plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition in crossed fields

• Published in: Surface & coatings technology 2014-10, Vol.256, p.47-51
• Main Authors: de Fátima Magalhães Mariano, Samantha, de Dios Mitma Pillaca, Elver Juan, Ueda, Mario, de Moraes Oliveira, Rogério
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesion; Applied sciences; Austenitic stainless steels; Coatings; Contact of materials. Friction. Wear; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Deposition; Diamond-like carbon; Diamond-like carbon films; Exact sciences and technology; Ion implantation; Magnetic field; Magnetic fields; Materials science; Mechanical properties and methods of testing. Rheology. Fracture mechanics. Tribology; Metals. Metallurgy; Other surface treatments; Physics; Plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition; Production techniques; Scanning electron microscopy; Surface treatment; Surface treatments; Tribology; Wear; Wear resistance
• ISSN: 0257-8972; 1879-3347
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2014.01.012

Because of the problem of film peeling, it is generally difficult to obtain thick and well adherent diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings on metallic substrates with good tribological properties. In this work, we propose to apply a plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (PIII&D) process in magnetic bottle configuration using high voltage glow discharge in order to deposit DLC films directly over 304 stainless steel (SS) alloy. In such configuration, two couples of coils wound outside the vacuum chamber are used to produce region of low magnetic field for plasma confinement (~60G at the center axis). DLC coatings are characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and also morphologically by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). Tribological behavior is investigated using a pin-on-disk tribometer, and after that, the scars are evaluated by means of SEM and Wyko NT1100 optical profiler. PIII&D experiments in crossed fields have been demonstrated to be an effective system to synthesize DLC films with good adhesion, excellent resistance against wear as well as good dry lubricant surfaces. •The magnetic mirror geometry allows the better confinement of the plasma.•Good tribological properties were measured in DLC films deposited in crossed fields.•The deposition rate was significantly increased when using the magnetic field.•PIII&D in crossed fields was an effective system to synthesize DLC films.