Characterization of the tribologically relevant cover layers formed on copper in oxygen and oxygen-free conditions

Abstract Engineering in vacuum or under a protective atmosphere permits the production of materials, wherever absence oxygen is an essential demand for successful processing. However, very few studies have provided quantitative evidence effect oxidized surfaces to tribological properties. In current study on 99.99% pure copper, it revealed that tribo-oxidation and resulting increased abrasive wear can be suppressed by processing extreme high (XHV) adequate environment. The XHV was realized using silane-doped shielding gas (1.5 vol% SiH 4 argon). To analyse influence ambient mechanical properties, ball—disk tribometer nanoindenter were used air, argon, argon temperatures up 800 °C. Resistance measurements coatings carried out. characterize microstructures chemical compositions samples, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), diffraction (XRD) used. investigations formation ?-Cu 3 Si at 300 °C, as well various intermediate stages copper silicides. At above ?-Cu 5 detected. linked increase hardness from 1.95 5.44 GPa, while Young’s modulus 46% 178 with significant reduction volume factor 4.5 suppression further oxidation susceptibility wear. addition, relevant diffusion processes identified molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.