Mechanical properties of ACD and ECD particulate metal-matrix composite thin films

Some mechanical and tribological properties of ACD Ni-P/diamond and ECD Au/ boron carbide composite thin films are measured and discussed. Preparation methods are briefly described. Hardness, Young's modulus and Milman's plast icity parameter are evaluated by diamond-pyramid indentation methods; slidi ng-wear behaviour is tested by means of the pin-on-disk technique. The appl ication of the correlations for indentation testing are treated statistical ly in view of a quantitative use. The variations in mechanical properties i nduced by the dispersion of ceramic particles and quantitatively correlated with the structural characteristics of the composite films. (C) 1999 Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.