Abstract

Amorphous hydrogenated carbon (AHC) films show promise in tribological applications. However, the films suffer from two main drawbacks i.e, the films are sensitive to moisture and exhibit high compressive stress which limits the thickness of the films that can be deposited. Modification of film composition by incorporating silicon made AHC films moisture insensitive and also allowed deposition of thick films. Both moisture insensitivity and deposition of thick films were achieved without any compromise with the friction coefficient and the wear of the steel counterface for certain film compositions. The friction and wear test results on films deposited on silicon, aluminum alloys and steel are presented. Also, film durability was evaluated under both unlubricated and lubricated sliding conditions. The tribological and the mechanical properties of the films were also evaluated after heating in air.