Research Symposium
25th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 1, 2025
Joshua Turner Poster Session 2: 10:45 am - 11:45 am/ Poster #152
BIO
I am an Electrical Engineering student at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering from Bradenton Florida. Currently, I have been involved in research on thin coatings and solid lubricants, specifically analyzing the wear and friction of DLC coatings under different environments. As I continue my academic and professional journey, I am eager to gain research and internship experience across various areas of engineering. While I have a strong passion for sustainability, I am also open to exploring new opportunities and discovering where my interests and skills can make the greatest impact.
Wear and Friction of Hydrogen Aged DLC Coatings
Authors: Joshua Turner, Santiago LazarteStudent Major: Electrical Engineering
Mentor: Santiago Lazarte
Mentor's Department: Materials Science and Engineering Mentor's College: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Co-Presenters:
Abstract
Tribology is the study of friction, wear, and lubrication, especially in mechanical systems. DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coatings are important to develop as they have expansive practical tribological applications as solid lubricants. Low friction coefficients are one of the main characteristics of DLC. The reduced friction coefficient in contacting systems can extend the life of components (e.g. engine components, medical implants, etc.). These coatings are also essential as solid lubricants in extreme environments where traditional lubricants (grease/oils) are not viable. Additionally, DLC's exhibit high hardness which can be useful for protecting watches or other sensitive appliances from scratches or wear. These properties make DLC coatings attractive for potential applications in contacting interfaces under hydrogen environments. In this work, we are exploring the effects of exposing DLCs to high temperatures in hydrogen environments and how this changes their structure and properties. Preliminary tests have shown that after aging at 500°C for 1 hour, friction coefficients can reach values of 0.05 which is in the order of superlubricity. We further researched and expanded these findings by heat-treating DLC coatings with hydrogen and testing the wear and friction properties in a custom-built tribometer.
Keywords: Tribology, DLC, Diamond like Carbon, Friction, Wear, Hydrogen