Mechanical and Tribological Characterisation of Fullerene-like Materials

Using state-of-the-art nanoindentation, scanning probe microscopy (SPM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical profilometry, instrumented scratch tests, wear tests and modelling routines, the work in this programme addresses the measurement of the mechanical, tribological and topographic characteristics of the fullerene-like materials produced by collaborators as well as understanding the role of these parameters in determining overall system performance. This requires that measured properties be correlated with microstructure and process route such that system properties may be controlled and optimised for particular applications. In addition it is essential that system performance is understood in terms of soundly-based property modelling so that methods for designing with and specifying fullerene-like materials for tribological applications can be developed. Suitable strategies and numerical procedures have already been established, including, for example, how high spatial resolution nanoindentation procedures can be used to establish both the hardness and elastic modulus of fullerene-like materials (such as highly elastic CNx) and how the overall system performs macroscopically for both bulk materials and coatings. Further, the role of interfacial adhesion, residual stresses and environment in determining performance is being explored and quantified. Parallel studies will utilise fully-instrumented scratch and wear tests, at room and elevated temperature, to enable the fundamental properties determined by nanoindentation etc to be linked to macroscopic tribological behaviour. Such tests will also allow the critical influences of temperature, surface topography and humidity to be quantified. Modelling in terms of predicting both the performance of coated systems (from a fundamental deformation-mode basis) and the micromechanics governing nanoindentation response will be an important part of the project.

This page was last modified on 24th March 2003

S.J.Bull@ncl.ac.uk

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