Alternating and complex 3-dimensional brick-wall diamond/ß-SiC structures

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Diamond/ß-SiC composite films are one film system that was designed to possess a whole range of combined advantages over individual diamond or ß-SiC films with respect to numerous applications. By carefully controlling the diamond/ß-SiC phase structure in the composite film, the general obstacles (i.e. poor film adhesion, low fracture toughness, low wear resistance etc.) of tribological diamond coatings can potentially be overcome. The aim of the current project is to channel all our experience and expertise into establishing a CVD based process technology that allows for absolute control over the 3-dimensional growth of the diamond/ß-SiC composite system. Through manipulating the gas phase reaction and different pre-deposition processes, four composite film structures will be realized. They are: columnar structure, gradient structure, alternating structure and complex 3-dimensional brick-wall structure. The project will mainly focus on the alternating as well as the complex 3-dimensional brick-wall structure. The goals of the project are to utilize the proposed structures in order to improve film adhesion, to create superior tribological coatings and to increase film toughness, as these are the principle shortcomings of diamond films up to now hindering their successful implementation in corresponding applications. Achieving the above goals in the diamond/ß-SiC composite system is intriguing and will be a milestone, if not a breakthrough, in diamond research, as it opens doors to a plethora of applications whose performance will drastically benefit from the properties of such composites.