%0 Journal Article
%T Amorphous carbon layers on polymeric substrates
%A R.M. Nowak
%A S. Jonas
%A S. Zimowski
%A K. Tkacz-£¿miech
%J Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering
%D 2007
%I World Academy of Materials and Manufacturing Engineering
%X urpose: This paper is aimed to study an effect of nitrogen incorporation on the structure and tribological properties of amorphous a C:N:H layers grown on polycarbonate substrates.Design/methodology/approach: Series of the layers were deposited from CH4 + N2 gas mixture with application of Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition technique assisted by radio waves (RF PE CVD). An analysis of atomic-level structure of the layers was made using FT IR technique. The samples were subjected to investigations of friction coefficient and wear resistance. The respective measurements were performed using Micro-Combi-Tester and a tribometer in ball-on-disc configuration.Findings: The IR spectra of the obtained layers have demonstrated a presence of nitrogen bonded both to carbon and to hydrogen. A formation of the following bonds has been confirmed: -C¡ÔN, -NH2, -C-NH2, >C=NH. All they are typical for a-C:N:H layers. The tribological tests have shown that the layers reduce the friction coefficient of the polycarbonate (up to 50 %) and considerably improve abrasion resistance.Research limitations/implications: Further studies in order to find relations between growing conditions and the properties of the layers should be performed. A role of the chemical composition and structure should be carefully analyzed.Practical implications: An application of carbon overcoats on polycarbonates may improve the usable properties of plastic components (hardness, scratch resistance, UV radiation resistance). This will make polycarbonates attractive materials of wide spectrum of possible applications.Originality/value: It has been shown in this research that application of RF PE CVD technique allows obtaining the a-C:N:H layers improving usable properties of plastics. The layers well adhesive to the substrate may be obtained at the temperatures below 80oC.
%K Amorphous materials
%K Engineering polymers
%K C:N:H layers
%K PA CVD
%K Tribology
%U http://www.journalamme.org/papers_vol25_1/2504.pdf