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Structure characterization of pulsed laser deposited MoS x –WSe y composite films of tribological interests

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Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was employed to grow MoS x –WSe y composite films, where x = 1.18, y = 0.78. Scanning electron micrographs show that the films have a dense granular morphology. Crystallization, d-spacing and hexagonal sheet curvature within the film were studied with X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. A predominant hexagonal MoS x phase was formed but contained W and Se, which were most likely present as substituents for Mo and S. There was no evidence for two separate crystalline phases. MoS x –WSe y composite films exhibited a larger expansion along the c-axis (d-spacing between basal planes) than PLD MoS2 and WSe2 films grown by laser ablation of pure targets. The lattice spacing along the a-axis was expanded in comparison to the MoS2 film, and compressed in comparison to the WSe2 film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed a significant sulfur deficiency, and verified both of S and Se bonding in the film. High-resolution electron microscope images exhibited significant curvatures of the (002) basal planes in the films. The bending behavior of basal planes was explained by S vacancies and Se substitution on the atomic site of S layers. The tribological properties of the composite films were measured in dry and wet conditions using a ball-on-disc tribometer. The reduced friction was correlated with the increased crystallinity and increased separation of basal planes in the composite films.

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Acknowledgements

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) is gratefully acknowledged for financial support. Thanks to Dr. J.T. Grant and B. Philips for helpful discussion and assistance on XPS.

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  1. Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/MLBT), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Bldg. 654 2941 Hobson Way, Room 08, Dayton, Ohio, 45433-7750, USA

    J.J. Hu, J.S. Zabinski, J.E. Bultman, J.H. Sanders & A.A. Voevodin

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  1. J.J. Hu
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  2. J.S. Zabinski
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  3. J.E. Bultman
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  4. J.H. Sanders
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Correspondence to J.J. Hu.

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Hu, J., Zabinski, J., Bultman, J. et al. Structure characterization of pulsed laser deposited MoS x –WSe y composite films of tribological interests. Tribol Lett 24, 127–135 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-006-9063-2

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