Evolution of microstructure and wear properties of aluminum thin films with sputtering substrate temperature

Fredrick M. Mwema, Esther T. Akinlabi, Oluseyi P. Oladijo, J. Dutta Majumdar

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The influence of sputtering substrate temperature on the microstructure and wear properties of aluminum thin films deposited on stainless steel substrates by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering was studied. The aluminum films were deposited on stainless steel substrates at different temperatures of 70°C, 80°C and 100°C and at a constant power of 300 W. The surfaces of the films were then characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface profiling and wear methods. The wear was undertaken at extremely high sliding load of 50 N. Fine-grained and smooth microstructures exhibiting hillocks were observed at 70°C whereas coarse-grained and rough microstructures consisting of porous structures were obtained at 100°C. Defect-free and well-defined microstructures were obtained at 80°C. All the films obtained within this range of temperatures were crystalline according to the XRD results. Films obtained at 80°C were shown to have the highest coefficient of friction whereas those deposited at 100°C exhibited the lowest wear resistance. The films' failure along the edges of the balls under high sliding load were characterized by thinning, deformation and tearing (cracking).

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2019 IEEE 10th International Conference on Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing Technologies, ICMIMT 2019
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages31-36
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781538679722
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 13 2019
Event10th IEEE International Conference on Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing Technologies, ICMIMT 2019 - Cape Town, South Africa
Duration: Feb 15 2019Feb 17 2019

Publication series

Name2019 IEEE 10th International Conference on Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing Technologies, ICMIMT 2019

Conference

Conference10th IEEE International Conference on Mechanical and Intelligent Manufacturing Technologies, ICMIMT 2019
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityCape Town
Period2/15/192/17/19

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

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