The influence of corrosion on diamond-like carbon topography and friction at the nanoscale

Abstract The influence of corrosion upon the nanoscale topography and friction response a hydrogenated amorphous carbon film (a-C:H) was investigated. Electrochemical atomic force microscopy used to characterise topographical changes coating at two oxidative potentials. Corrosion 1.5 V (corrosion rate 0.5 nm h−1) resulted in no topography; whereas 2.5 V 26.4 nm h−1) caused root mean square roughness a-C:H decrease, but local fine-scale irregularity or ‘jaggedness’ surface increase. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that both potentials oxidised form alcohol, carbonyl carboxyl groups. Lateral adhesion measurements showed increased corrosion. outcome attributed oxidation had occurred potentials, resulting several potential mechanisms including attractive intermolecular interactions capillary forces. highest coefficient observed for corroded 2.5 V, identified as consequence jagged promoting an interlocking mechanism.