Synthesis, characterization and tribological properties of solid lubricant graphite films produced by PECVD

Abstract

Graphite, which is one of the mostly used solid lubricants, is commonly used in different industrial applications due to its low friction coefficient. However, the synthesis of graphite films can be a challenging process in some cases, where durable coatings are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to obtain graphite films with low friction coefficients and investigate their tribological properties. In order to achieve this, graphite films were synthesized on glass substrates by using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) technique for different process times (30, 60 and 90 min). Reciprocating wear tests were performed to determine the tribological properties of the obtained graphite films. Afterwards, Raman, FT-IR, SEM and surface wettability analyzes were carried out to characterize the films. The results showed that the graphite film synthesized for 90 min exhibited higher wear resistance and lower friction coefficient than untreated and other treated samples because it had high film thickness and hydrophobicity. Also, it was seen that the thicknesses of the coatings increased depending on the treatment time and the contact angle measurements showed that all the graphite films exhibited hydrophobic behaviour.