Carbon-based thin films are a vast group of materials of great technological importance. Thanks to the different bonding options for carbon, a large variety of structures (from amorphous to nanostructured) can be achieved in the process of film synthesis. The structural diversity increases even more if carbon is combined with relatively small quantities of atoms of other elements. This results in a set of materials with many different interesting properties for a wide range of technological applications. This doctoral thesis is about nanostructured carbon-based thin films. In particular, the focus is set on theoretical modeling, prediction of structural features and design of sulfo carbide (CSx) and carbon fluoride (CFx) thin films. The theoretical approach follows the synthetic growth concept (SGC) which is based on the density functional theory. The SGC departure point is the fact that the nanostructured films of interest can be modeled as assemblies of low dimensional units (e.g., finite graphene-like model systems), similarly to modeling graphite as stacks of graphene sheets. Moreover, the SGC includes a description of the groups of atoms that act as building blocks (i.e., precursors) during film deposition, as well as their interaction with the growing film. This thesis consists of two main parts: Prediction: In this work, I show that nanostructured CSx thin films can be expected for sulfur contents up to 20 atomic % with structural characteristics that go from graphite-like to fullerene-like (FL). In the case of CFx thin films, a diversity of structures are predicted depending on the fluorine concentration. Short range ordered structures, such as FL structure, can be expected for low concentrations (up to 5 atomic %). For increasing fluorine concentration, diamond-like and polymeric structures should predominate. As a special case, I also studied the ternary system CSxFy. The calculations show that CSxFy thin films with nanostructured features should be possible to synthesize at low sulfur and fluorine concentrations and the structural characteristics can be described and explained in terms of the binaries CSx and CFx. Design: The carbon-based thin films predicted in this thesis were synthesized by magnetron sputtering. The results from my calculations regarding structure and composition, and analysis of precursors (availability and role during deposition process) were successfully combined with the experimental techniques in the quest of obtaining films with desired structural features and understanding their properties.

The discovery and subsequent synthesis of metal containing fullerenes- IFS (Inorganic Fullerene-like Structures) by R. Tenne et al. has generated considerable scientific interest with great potential impact in many industrial application areas such as lubrication. The lubrication mechanism (tribofilm formation) via exfoliation and deposition of the atomic layers from this cage-like IF-particles was revealed and demonstrated first by this research group. The incorporation of the nanoparticles into lubricants (oils, greases) is however not straightforward. When two surfaces are sliding against each other and a lubricant is used, a thin layer (tribofilm) is formed on the contact area. The friction reducing effects of the nanoparticles can be altered or hindered by certain additives that are used in lubricative oils. The effects of such additives on the tribological behavior of the nanoparticles are investigated by analyzing the tribofilms formed on the worn surfaces using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in a scanning electron microscope. Another challenge of nanoparticles in lubricants is the penetration of the nanoparticles into the contact zone. A possible solution of this problem is briefly discussed. A modified burnishing technique can be used to coat sliding metallic surfaces with a friction reducing tribofilm. The morphology and composition of these tribofilms was investigated with analytical electron microscopy techniques. In the second part of the thesis electron microscopy was used to investigate the material transfer. Titanium is an elements with high adhesive ability to the counter surface, it displays poor tribological properties in sliding metallic contacts. This can lead to material transfer and consequently severe surface damage. The cold formation and machining of titanium, thus can lead rapid tool wear and poor surface finish. Electron microscopy techniques were used to study the mechanism of titanium transfer to different counter surfaces.

Orientador: Fernando Alvarez / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Fisica Gleb Wataghin / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-09T10:47:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ParedezAngeles_PabloJenner_D.pdf: 4194390 bytes, checksum: 8881d83ee8bcb5a5ad4bfb23b7ff1028 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: Nesta tese são apresentados os efeitos nas propriedades estruturais, eletrônicas e de emissão eletrônica por efeito de campo elétrico induzidos pela incorporação de nitrogênio em nanoestruturas de carbono. As nanoestruturas de carbono contendo nitrogênio foram preparadas por pulverização catódica (sputtering) de um alvo de grafite assistido, ou não, por um feixe iônico. A técnica permite atuar sobre os parâmetros de deposição induzindo mudanças nas propriedades estruturais, eletrônicas e de emissão eletrônica por efeito de campo elétrico. O papel do hélio na formação de nanoes-truturas de carbono contendo nitrogênio foi também explorado, mostrando que o gás nobre promove maior incorporação de nitrogênio. Isto é provavelmente devido à relativa alta condutividade térmica que apresenta o hélio, propriedade que modifica a cinética do crescimento das nanoestruturas. O estudo realizado permitiu entender o mecanismo de formação das nanoestruturas, mostrando que primeiramente o carbono alcança as partículas de Ni por difusão até a saturação do metal, iniciando a formação das camadas grafíticas sobre a partícula de Ni, camadas que foram observadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão de alta resolução. O estudo mostra, também, que os parâmetros importantes que controlam a incorporação de nitrogênio no material são a pressão parcial de nitrogênio na câmara de deposição, assim como a energia do feixe de íons assistindo a deposição.Foram estudadas três séries de amostras preparadas em atmosferas controladas. Na primeira série foi utilizado um feixe de íons de nitrogênio como feixe de assistência, e na segunda, uma mistura composta por duas espécies iônicas, íons de nitrogênio e hidrogênio. Com o auxilio da espectroscopia de elétrons fotoemitidos por raios-X observou-se a incorporação de nitrogênio nos filmes. A microscopia de força atômica revelou a presença de estruturas do tipo domo, distribuídas de maneira uniforme na superfície das amostras, apresentando uma densidade média de ~3×10 9 domos/cm 2as da primeira série, e ~1.4×10 9 domos/cm 2as da segunda série. Tanto a distribuição como a forma seguem o padrão estabelecido pelos precursores utilizados na preparação das nanoestruturas, i.e., ilhas de níquel que agem ao mesmo tempo como catalisadores e como suporte para as nanoestruturas. Na terceira série, as nanoestruturas foram crescidas sobre um filme de nitreto de titânio, depositado sobre substratos de Si, pulverizando um alvo de grafite em atmosferas de nitrogênio e hélio-nitrogênio. A densidade dos domos encontrada para esta série foi de ~5.3×10 10 domos/cm 2 . Os espectros Raman das três séries apresentam as bandas G e D, o que indica a presença estruturas grafíticas com distorções representadas pela banda D. A incorporação de nitrogênio ocasiona o alargamento da banda G e aumento da razão das intensidades das bandas D e G, respectivamente, indicando uma redução da ordem estrutural com a incorporação de Nitrogênio. Finalmente, para as três séries de amostras, fez-se também um estudo das propriedades de emissão eletrônica por efeito de campo elétrico. A emissão é predominantemente por tunelamento quântico (as curvas de densidade de corrente vs campo elétrico seguem o modelo de Fowler-Nordheim) e dependem da concentração de nitrogênio assim como do processo usado na preparação das amostras / Abstract: The subject of this thesis is establishing a link among the synthesis, structures, and field emission properties for nanostructured carbon materials containing nitrogen. The materials were prepared by ion beam assisted deposition and ion beam sputtering. The carbon material was obtained sputtering an ultra pure graphite target by an argon ion beam. The method allows controlling the deposition parameters to induce changes in the structural, electronic, and field emission properties. Also, the role of helium on the carbon containing nitrogen nanostructures was investigated. The remarkable thermal conductance of He modifying the growing kinetics was also studied. An important goal of the work was to elucidate the mechanism of the nanostructures formation. It was found that, at first, the carbon atoms reach the Ni particles saturating the metal particle, and then, the formation of stacked graphene starts on the metal particles. The graphene layers were observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results show that mainly two parameters control the nitrogen incorporation, namely, the deposition chamber nitrogen partial pressure and the energy of the nitrogen ion beam assisting the growth. Three sample series prepared in controlled atmospheres were studied. The first series was prepared assisting the growth with a nitrogen ion beam and, the second series by a nitrogen-hydrogen ion beam. The third sample series were prepared by ion beam sputtering on silicon substrate by sequentially depositing titanium nitride thin film, nanometric nickel particles and carbon. The carbon containing nitrogen nanostructures were grown in nitrogen and helium-nitrogen atmospheres. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicates nitrogen incorporation and it depends predominantly on the ion beam energy or on the nitrogen partial pressure. Atomic force microscopy reveals dome-like structures uniformly distributed on the surface of the samples, with ~3×10 9 domes/cm 2 for the first series, ~1.4×10 9 domes/cm 2 for the second, and ~5.3×10 10 domes/cm 2 for the third. Both distribution and shape follow the Ni island pattern, i.e. the Ni islandsact both as a catalytic and uphold. The three samples series were also analyzed by Raman spectros-copy, showing a defined G bands around 1593 cm -1 indicating the presence of graphitic structures. Also, are observed D bands indicating structural disorder. The disorder increases with the augment of the nitrogen content, as is shown by the augment of the D and G intensities ratio. Finally, the field emission properties of the three series were studied and the electron emission depends on the growing conditions in general, and on the nitrogen content in particular. The results show that the emission is predominantly by quantum tunneling and the current density vs. electric field curves follow the Fowler-Nordheim model / Doutorado / Física / Doutor em Ciências

Les fullerènes de bisulfure métallique de type ( M eS2 , où Me= Mo et W) rencontrent un intérêt croissant du fait de leurs pouvoirs anti usure et réducteur de frottement en régime de lubrification limite. Les propriétés tribologiques de ces nanoparticules, dépendent à la fois de leurs caractéristiques intrinsèques (structure, morphologie, taille, ... ), des conditions de sollicitations (nature des surfaces, pression, température, ... ) ainsi que du cocktail d'additifs présent dans une formulation d'huile moteur. La compréhension de l'origine de ces propriétés passe obligatoirement par une parfaite connaissance du mode d'action des nanoparticules. L'objectif de ce travail de thèse est d’identifier les paramètres pouvant avoir une influence sur le comportement des nanoparticules à l’échelle nanométrique et de faire le lien entre ce comportement, les mécanismes de lubrification des nanoparticules, et leurs propriétés tribologiques. Afin de répondre à cet objectif nous avons adopté une approche multi échelle qui consiste dans un premier temps à étudier le comportement de fullerènes individuels (IF - M eS2 , ou Me= Mo et W) en cours de sollicitation. Ainsi grâce à une méthodologie expérimentale originale couplant la technique de nano indentation à une observation in situ dans un microscope électronique à transmission haute résolution (HRMET), nous avons visualisé pour la toute première fois et en temps réelle comportement de nanoparticules individuelles d’if- M eS2 (Me= Mo et W) sollicitées en compression et/ou en cisaillement dans un contact dynamique. Cette étude a permis d'identifier l'influence des caractéristiques intrinsèques des fullerènes sur leur réponse à l'échelle nanométrique et d'estimer des pressions de contact pour lesquelles le fullerène s'exfolie, roule ou glisse dans le contact. Nous nous sommes ensuite intéressés aux mécanismes de lubrification des fullerènes en dispersion dans une base lubrifiante, en condition de lubrification limite. En se basant sur des analyses XPS et des observations MEB et MET des tribofilms et des débris d'usure générés à l'issu d'essais de frottement réalisés dans trois contacts de nature différente (acier, alumine et DLC), nous avons clairement montré que les propriétés lubrifiantes des nanoparticules d'IF - M eS2 (Me= Mo et W) dépendaient à la fois de leurs caractéristiques intrinsèques et de la nature des surfaces frottantes. Ainsi un lien a été établi entre le comportement des fullerènes à l'échelle nanométrique et leur mode d'action dans un contact tribologique. Enfin, l'influence de la mise en dispersion des nanoparticules sur leurs propriétés tribologiques a été étudiée. Les propriétés tribologiques des nanoparticules dans une huile moteur ont été également évaluées. Deux approches expérimentales de type 'Bottom up' et 'Top dawn'ont été adoptées afin d'évaluer les interactions entre les nanoparticules et l'ensemble des additifs présents dans une huile complétement formulée. L'influence de la température sur les propriétés tribologiques des nanoparticules a été également abordée. / Inorganic Fullerene-(IF) like nanoparticles made of metal dichalcogenides ( M eS2 , Me= Mo and W)continue to attract an increasing interest as friction modifiers and anti-wear additives in liquid lubricant. Their efficiency as lubricant additive strongly depends on intrinsic properties of the nanoparticles (structure, morphology, size ... ), tribological conditions (nature of rubbing surface, pressure, temperature ... ) and also on the package of additives present in the full y formulated engine oil. Thus the control and the optimization of these properties require a perfect knowledge of the lubrication mechanisms of these nanoparticles. The aim of this work is to identify the parameters which influence the behavior of the nanoparticles at the nano-scale and to establish a correlation between this behavior, the lubrication mechanisms of nanoparticles and their tribological properties observed at macro-scale. For this aim, we have chosen a multi-scale approach, which firstly consists in studying the behavior of individual fullerenes (IF- M eS2, Me= Mo and W) during mechanical solicitation. Therefore, thanks to a new in situ TEM technique including nanoindentation, we have visualized the behavior of individual fullerenes in real time during nana-compression and nano-sliding tests. These results allowed us to identify the influence of the intrinsic characteristics of nanoparticles on their response at the nano-scale and to estimate critical values of pressure for rolling, sliding, exfoliation and failure of individual IF - M eS2 particles (Me= Mo and W).Secondly, we focused on the lubrication mechanisms of fullerenes when they are dispersed in base oil in boundary lubrication. The tribofilms and the wear particles obtained after friction tests at three different rubbing surfaces (steel, alumina and DLC), were studied using XPS analyses, SEM and TEM observations. We have clearly shown that the lubricating properties of nanoparticles depend both on their intrinsic properties and on the nature of the contact. Thereby, a correlation between the behavior of single nanoparticles at nano-scale and their lubricating properties under boundary lubrication was established. Finally, the influence of the dispersant on the tribological properties of the nanoparticles was investigated. The tribological properties of nanoparticles in fully formulated engine oil were also evaluated. Two experimental methods based on a 'Bottomup' and a 'top-dawn' approach were adopted to evaluate the interactions between nanoparticles and all the additives in fully formulated oil. The influence of the temperature on the tribological properties of the nanoparticles was also discussed.