IMPROVEMENT IN MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES BY ION-IMPLANTATION OF SIC FILMSDEPOSITED ON STEEL AND COPPER

In this work we have implanted at various fluences silicon carbide (Si C) thin films deposited on AISI 316L stainless steel and oxygen-free h igh conductivity copper. It was observed that the improvements in the mechanical properties depend strongly on the ion fluence as well as on the ion species (Ar+, N+). High Ar+ fluence leads, by ion beam mixing , to the formation of a brittle Fe-Si interlayer which is deleterious with regard to the mechanical properties, as determined by scratch res istance tests. However, N+ implantation of SiC films can result in the formation of silicon carbonitrides and in particular the interface zo ne can be converted to iron-chromium nitrides. These composite multila yer structures on steel are suitable for obtaining surfaces with the o ptimum adhesion, friction and wear resistance properties.