Abstract
Every year, billions of dollars are invested in research and development for space applications, including new systems, new technologies, and new materials. DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) is a promising material for use in these applications, but its use faces a technological barrier, since it is severely etched by atomic oxygen and ozone. In this study, SiOx-DLC thin films were deposited as a top layer of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films on Ti-6Al-4V substrates to increase resistance against corrosion by atomic oxygen and ozone as well as meet the requirements for use in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The corrosion resistance of the films was evaluated using oxygen plasma, and the tribological and mechanical properties were investigated. The SiOx-DLC top layer reduced the corrosion rate two orders of magnitude and increased the critical load from 16.2 ± 1.5 N to 18.4 ± 0.4 N.
Highlights
The main space agencies of the world invest billions of dollars every year in research and development for important projects, such as the building of the international space station, satellite launch vehicles, and many kinds of satellites[1,2]
The mean critical loads were 19.9 ± 0.8 N and 18.4 ± 0.4 N for diamond-like carbon (DLC) and silicon oxide (SiOx)-DLC films, respectively, indicating that the films were very adherent and that the SiOx did not interfere with the film scratch resistance[26,27]
For SiOx-DLC, the first cracks occurred in a higher load than DLC films but was accompanied by total failure
Summary
The main space agencies of the world invest billions of dollars every year in research and development for important projects, such as the building of the international space station, satellite launch vehicles, and many kinds of satellites[1,2]. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films have been extensively studied for this purpose, due to their appropriate tribological characteristics, such as a stable and low wear rate[8]. The use of DLC films for these aerospace applications faces a technical barrier, since they are severely etched by atomic oxygen present in the low orbit atmosphere (200 to 700 km), resulting in a significant lifetime reduction[9,10,11]. Methods to increase the lifetime of the DLC film include incorporation of dielectric and metallic nanoparticles[12,13]. Marciano et al.[14], for example, showed that DLC films have higher wear resistance against oxygen attack when silver nanoparticles are incorporated into the film.
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