Synthesis and Characterization of PbO Films Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition.

Abstract

ABSTRACTLead monoxide (PbO) is a potential solid lubricant for use at elevated temperatures in oxidizing environments. The objective of this research was to grow thin films of PbO by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). Film stoichiometry, crystallinity, and chemistry were adjusted by varying substrate temperature and O2 partial pressure during deposition and the effects of changes in film properties on friction coefficients and wear lives were investigated. Chemistry and crystallinity were evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and glancing angle X-ray diffraction (XRD). Friction coefficients and wear lives were measured in dry nitrogen and at room temperature using a ball-on-flat tribometer. Films deposited at room temperature retained the crystal structure of the target material, but were oxygen deficient. The O/Pb ratio was increased by raising the O2 partial pressure and by increasing the substrate temperature during deposition; the crystal structure and orientation changed with stoichiometry. Friction coefficients ranged from 0.20 – 0.45 and the wear lives were typically less than those obtained from MoS2 films.