Final Report Summary - DESHNAF (Deposition of super-hard nanocomposite films by plasma processing)
The project pertained to the Deposition of super-hard nanocomposite films by plasma processing (DESHNAF) and aimed to raise and coordinate fundamental knowledge regarding nanostructured super-hard materials which find use in a wide range of applications in many industrial sectors, mainly in machine tools. It addressed the following topics:
- correlation of plasma and deposition variables with the deposition process;
- measurement of super-hardness, especially of very thin, nanocomposite materials;
- film stability as well as its oxidation and wear resistance at high temperatures;
- tribological properties of super hard nanocomposite films.
The project achieved in employing deposition methods such as Physical vapour deposition (PVD) or Plasma-assisted vapour deposition (PACVD) as well as their combination and plasma spray in order to produce super-hard nanocomposite coatings. It was showed that super hard materials constitute the most appropriate choice for high temperature stability and oxidation resistance provided that the only other material fulfilling both criteria is Cubic boron nitride (CBN). Furthermore, super hard materials exhibited tribological properties; namely, high ratio of hardness coefficient and Young's modulus.
- correlation of plasma and deposition variables with the deposition process;
- measurement of super-hardness, especially of very thin, nanocomposite materials;
- film stability as well as its oxidation and wear resistance at high temperatures;
- tribological properties of super hard nanocomposite films.
The project achieved in employing deposition methods such as Physical vapour deposition (PVD) or Plasma-assisted vapour deposition (PACVD) as well as their combination and plasma spray in order to produce super-hard nanocomposite coatings. It was showed that super hard materials constitute the most appropriate choice for high temperature stability and oxidation resistance provided that the only other material fulfilling both criteria is Cubic boron nitride (CBN). Furthermore, super hard materials exhibited tribological properties; namely, high ratio of hardness coefficient and Young's modulus.
