Output details

Interpreting the effects of interfacial chemistry on the tribology of diamond-like carbon coatings against steel in distilled water

Significance of output:

This collaborative study between Southampton and the Nuclear Division of Rolls Royce plc provided an experimental explanation for some of the exceptional tribological properties of Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings by identifying layer transfer and growth mechanisms occurring during sliding of steel balls against DLC in distilled water. A validated mixed analytical-computational chemo-mechanical model capable of predicting the chemistry-dependent evolution of the friction properties of the system was also developed. This will assist tribology research and design for the next generation of nuclear power plants which will be expected to operate for longer durations and to higher safety standards.