Nanocomposite Microstructure and Environment Self-Adapted Tribological Properties of Highly Hard Graphite-Like Film

Abstract

Graphite-like carbon (GLC) nanocomposite films were fabricated by DC magnetron sputtering using high pure graphite target at ambient temperature. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigation showed that the as-deposited GLC films have high concentration of sp2-hybridized carbon. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images and selected area diffraction patterns (SADP) indicated a complex nanocomposite microstructure of the GLC films. As well as nanocrystalline graphite, a face-center cubic (fcc) diamond with a grain size in the range of 3–8 nm were dispersed in the amorphous carbon matrix inhomogenously and integrally. The nanocomposite GLC film had high hardness of 23 GPa, which was attributed to the mutual strengthening effect of nanoparticles and amorphous matrix. More importantly, the as-deposited nanocomposite GLC film exhibited excellent self-adapted tribological properties in different environments of ambient air, different relative humidity and water. The friction coefficients were 0.053 in ambient air and 0.046 in distilled water, while specific wear rates were 4.5 × 10−16 m3 N−1 m−1 and 1.6 × 10−16 m3 N−1 m−1, respectively. The friction regimes and mechanisms in different environments were elaborated. This film is foreseen to high potential in protecting and solid lubricating material in humidity or water environment.