Nanodiamond embedded ta-C composite film by pulsed filtered vacuum arc deposition from a single target

DetonationNanodiamonds (DNDs) are known to have sp3 core, sp2 shell, small size (few nm) and are gaining importance as multi-functional nanoparticles. Diverse methods have been used to form composites, containing detonationnanodiamonds (DNDs) embedded in conductive and dielectric matrices for various applications. Here we show a method, wherein DND-ta-C compositefilm, consisting of DNDs embedded in ta-C matrix have been co-deposited from the samecathode by pulsed filtered cathodic vacuum arc method. Transmission Electron Microscope analysis of thesefilms revel the presence of DNDs embedded in the matrix of amorphouscarbon. Raman spectroscopy indicates that the presence of DNDs does not adversely affect the sp3 content of DND-ta-C compositefilm compared to ta-Cfilm of same thickness. Nanoindentation and nanowear tests indicate that DND-ta-C compositefilms possess improved mechanical properties in comparison to ta-Cfilms of similar thickness.

Source: Applied Physics Letters - November 15, 2016 Category: Physics Authors: Ajai Iyer, Jarkko Etula, Yanling Ge, Xuwen Liu and Jari Koskinen Source Type: research