CHARACTERIZATION OF SILICON-STABILIZED AMORPHOUS HYDROGENATED CARBON

The characterization of a modified form of diamondlike carbon, referre d to as silicon-stabilized amorphous hydrogenated carbon (Si-AHC), is described. Auger electron spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman scattering, nuclear reac tion analysis, and optical absorption spectroscopy were used to determ ine chemical composition and to monitor structural changes due to the addition of silicon. Hardness, density, residual stress, and tribologi cal properties of AHC and Si-AHC are compared. The Si-AHC coatings sho w much lower stress, a friction coefficient that is insensitive to moi sture, an increase in optical gap compared to AHC, improved thermal st ability, and equivalent hardness and wear. Some automotive application s are discussed.