Superior mechanical and tribological properties governed by optimized modulation ratio in WC/a-C nano-multilayers

WC/a-C nano-multilayers with different modulation ratio (WC:a-C) ranging from 1:10 to 1.5:1 were deposited by fixing a-C individual layer thickness and tailoring WC individual layer thickness. The effect of modulation ratio on mechanical and tribological performance of WC/a-C nano-multilayers were investigated. Superior mechanical and tribological properties were simultaneously achieved at modulation ratio of 1:1.2. In addition to the improvement of mechanical properties, the improved tribological properties should also be attributed to the friction-induced formation of a WO3-rich transfer film under an appropriate WC individual layer thickness, which combing the graphitized worn film surface constructed an intrinsically weak-interacting sliding interface (WO3/C interface). Also, graphitized carbon is an essential coadjutant for the formation of WO3-rich transfer film.

Automated summary

The study investigated the mechanical and tribological performance of WC/a-C nano-multilayers with different modulation ratios, and found that the best overall properties were achieved at a modulation ratio of 1:1.2. The enhanced tribological properties were attributed to the friction-induced formation of a WO3-rich transfer film under an appropriate WC individual layer thickness, which helped in constructing an intrinsically weak-interacting sliding interface. Additionally, graphitized carbon played a crucial role in the formation of the WO3-rich transfer film.