Super-Hydrophobic and Self-Lubricating Carbon Coating on Ti3SiC2

Abstract

Carbon coating on Ti 3 SiC 2 with combined superhydrophobic and self-lubricating properties is synthesized by high temperature chlorination followed by modification of organic film in this paper. Raman spectroscopy confirms the conversion from titanium silicon carbide to highly graphitized carbon coating at 1000°C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation shows a highly porous microstructure of graphite flakes on the coating surface. Both the size and shape of Ti 3 SiC 2 grains vary after high temperature chlorination. The original grains are transformed to graphite flakes, and separated into two and more parts. The porous structure as well as organic film on carbon coating endows the surface with super-hydrophobic property. Because of chemical inertia of carbon coating and the modifier, the superhydrophobic surface is stable under various environments. Carbon coating is good solid lubricant and greatly reduces the friction coefficient of Ti 3 SiC 2 sliding against Si 3 N 4 , which is important for Ti 3 SiC 2 used as engineering materials.