Search

In this paper, Raman spectral mappings were carried out on Vickers indentation prints introduced on DLC films prepared with different substrate bias voltages (SBV). The mapping results showed clear differences in the intensity ratio, I D / I G , and band shifts for D and G peaks in samples fabricated with and without applying SBV. These spectral characteristics arose from the cumulative effect of a compressive (residual) stress field and structural alterations including sp2 and sp3 carbon disorder upon generation of the indentation print. Additional quantitative stress analyses, which employed spectral line scans on the film cross sections, revealed clear differences in magnitude for the compressive stresses stored in the films, as well as in-depth structural variations resulting from different SBV being applied during fabrication. An increasing level of residual compressive stress in the DLC films with increasing SBV may directly contribute to the observed decreased adhesion to the substrates and to the increased Vickers hardness. Unlabelled Image • Raman mappings were conducted around Vickers indentation prints on DLC films. • Applying SBV showed clear influences on I D / I G , and band shifts for D and G peaks. • Stress and structural alterations influence sp2 and sp3 carbon disorder. • Residual stresses and in-depth structural variations varied with SBV. • Residual compressive stress influenced film adhesion and Vickers hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films represent promising surface treatments for biomedical implants. In this paper, using Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, we analyzed the effects of secondary phases present in ZrO 2 substrates on the structure of DLC films fabricated by plasma-based ion implantation and deposition method, and the structural stability of the films in response to applied indentation prints. The results revealed oxygen incorporation in DLC films from the oxide substrates during deposition, and a clear dependence of sp3 carbon content on the oxygen fraction of the substrate and on gas pressure. Moreover, a pronounced structural distortion of the DLC films at the film/substrate interface was observed, which resulted from polymorphic transformation on the zirconia surface during deposition, while a pronounced change in Raman spectral morphology of carbon induced by structural alterations could also be observed around the indentation prints. The findings clearly pointed at the need to take into considerations the structural alterations of the DLC film structure at the interface associated with interfacial defects and film adhesion, especially for biomedical applications that involve surface loading. [Display omitted] • Effects of secondary phases in ZrO 2 substrates on the DLC structure were clarified. • Structural stability of the films in response to applied loads was investigated. • Oxygen incorporation in DLC films depended on both substrate and gas pressure. • Phase transformation of zirconia contributed to structural distortion of DLC films. • Structural alterations were induced around the indentation prints on the DLC films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]