Preparation by ion-beam-assisted deposition, analysis and tribological behavior of MoS2 films

Low-friction, high-endurance, ion-beam-deposited PbMoS coatings

“…The pin-on-disk friction behavior of the IBD Pb-Mo-S coatings under dry sliding conditions is similar to that of IBAD MoS 2 coatings [12]. In both cases, the friction coefficient decreases from the initial value to a steady minimum.…”

“…deposition system, two of the ion beams are focused on separate sputtering targets, while the third ion gun provides a broad beam for sputter cleaning the substrates prior to deposition as well as functions as an assist ion beam during deposition [12,14]. While deposition of dualelement coatings can be accomplished by simply having two different targets of the desired elements (e.g.…”

“…Previous investigations [12,13] have shown that IBAD MoS 2 coatings provide both low friction and superior endurance for tribological applications. The present study demonstrates the potential to improve IBAD MoS 2 coatings by alloying with Pb.…”

Effects of ion implantation on microstructure, endurance and wear behavior of IBAD MoS2

“…Those coatings, however, produced by rf-sputtering in a conventional moderate vacuum system, had from 6-25 at.% O contamination. The higher stability of the IBAD MoS 2 to irradiation could be due to their lower contamination levels (typically 1-3 at.%) [35]. Despite the reduction of crystallinity in the coatings, friction coefficients of irradiated coatings achieved the same ultralow value (0.02) as as-deposited coatings.…”

“…We attribute the 20 nm reduction in thickness to sputtering losses (roughly that predicted by Profile Code calculations) rather than coating compaction, because the asdeposited IBAD MoS 2 coatings are fully dense [35].…”