Conformal deposition of Ti-C:H coatings over high-aspect-ratio micro-scale structures and tribological characteristics

Abstract

Results on conformal deposition of Ti-containing hydrocarbon (Ti-C:H) coatings over Ni high-aspect-ratio micro-scale structures (HARMs) fabricated by the lithography, electroplating and molding (LIGA) technique are reported. Using a high-density plasma assisted hybrid chemical vapor deposition/physical vapor deposition technique, it is demonstrated that conformal Ti-C:H deposition can be achieved over HARMs with ∼1000 μm in height and ∼220 μm in mutual spacing. Surface roughness and tribological characteristics of Ti-C:H coatings during unlubricated sliding contact with 52100 steel balls are studied with atomic force microscopy, micro-Raman scattering, and optical microscopy on macro-scale samples. It is shown that unlubricated sliding between Ti-C:H and 52100 steel is significantly influenced by the composition of the Ti-C:H coating.