J. Richter et al., Tribological characterization of diamond-like carbon films on nonledeburitic high-speed steels, MATER CHAR, 45(3), 2000, pp. 233-239
Hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were deposited on as-tempered
nonledeburitic high-speed steel (NHSS) substrates (0-5-1-3Ti-2Nb grade) by
capacitively coupled RF glow discharge in a methane atmosphere. The substra
tes were cleaned with an argon flux before coating deposition. Coatings of
1-mum thickness, good smoothness and adhesion were successfully produced. M
icroscale abrasive wear tests and field emission scanning electron microsco
py were employed to evaluate wear resistance and morphology of the DLC film
s, substrate-film boundaries and worn components. The wear coefficient of t
he steel substrates was less than that of M2 tool steel, whereas that for t
he DLC layer corresponded to the value previously reported for titanium alu
minium nitride. Certain decohesion micromechanisms in the NHSS samples afte
r microscale abrasion testing were similar to these found in fractured spec
imens. Structural influences on the results are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevie
r Science Inc. All rights reserved.