The microstructure and tribological properties of copper surfaces implanted with carbon ions

Carbon ions were implanted into copper surfaces to a dose of 1 x 10(18) ion s cm(-2) at 50 keV, and the as-implanted specimens were studied by Raman sp ectroscopy, selected area diffraction (SAD), transmission electronic micros copy (TEM) and high-resolution electronic microscopy (HREM). The Raman spec tra indicate that diamond-like carbon (DLC) was formed on/in the copper sur faces. From HREM images, it is observed that the copper forms amorphous or nano grains and contains a large number of amorphous carbon and nanometre g raphite clusters (<5 nm). Considering the formation of these microstructure s in the C implanted specimens, it is understandable that the friction coef ficient showed a reduction. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reser ved.