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Tribochemistry of contact interfaces of nanocrystalline molybdenum carbide films

  • D. Dinesh Kumar*
  • , N. Kumar
  • , Kalpatru Panda
  • , A. M. Kamalan Kirubaharan
  • , P. Kuppusami
  • *Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Transition metal carbides (TMC) are known for their improved tribological properties and are sensitive to the tribo-atmospheric environment. Nanocrystalline molybdenum carbide (MoC) thin films were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering technique using reactive CH 4 gas. The friction and wear resistance properties of MoC thin films were significantly improved in humid-atmospheric condition as compared to high-vacuum tribo-condition. A comprehensive chemical analysis of deformed contact interfaces was carried out by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Raman spectroscopy. XPS and Raman spectroscopy showed the formation of stable molybdenum-oxide (MoO), molybdenum carbide (MoC) and amorphous carbon (a-C) tribo-phases. Moreover, during the sliding in humid-atmospheric condition, these phases were extensively deposited on the sliding steel ball counter body which significantly protected against undesirable friction and wear.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)677-686
    Number of pages10
    JournalApplied Surface Science
    Volume447
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 31-07-2018

    All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

    • General Chemistry
    • Condensed Matter Physics
    • General Physics and Astronomy
    • Surfaces and Interfaces
    • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

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