Advanced design of micro/nano architectures using laser interference metallurgy
Final Report Abstract
Laser interference metallurgy (LIMET) enables a precise fabrication of periodic structures by inducing morphological and microstructural changes in materials, principally in metal-based thin films. Through the project “Advanced design of micro/nano architectures using laser interference metallurgy - LIMET”, interesting potential applications of the method could be revealed. The most important scientific progresses obtained through the two periods of the project are summarized below. Laser-induced microstructural evolution of metallic thin films: The laser patterning of pure metallic thin films could have an impact on their morphology and microstructure. After melting followed by a rapid cooling, grains grow further from the nano-scale to the micro-scale in one step. This results in a crystallization scenario known as super lateral growth (SLG), where large grains are locally formed over the entire film thickness. Furthermore, LIMET allows the creation of long-range ordered architectures of grain sizes and micro-orientations. Localized enhancement of material properties through: - Reduction of friction: due to the formation of specific topographies, microstructures as well as the segregation of nanoparticles, the friction behaviour of metal-based thin films could be significantly affected by up to one order of magnitude, which could potentially increase the life of these materials in specific conditions. - Local enhancement of electrical conductivity: localized chemical decomposition of metaloxides in the corresponding metals is responsible for better electrical conduction paths, because of the coexistence of a low resistive metallic phase and a semiconducting oxide phase. This could result in a drastic decrease of the electrical resistivity. The LIMET method for surface structuring developed through this project could thus find potential applications in: - Laser-induced segregation of metallic nanoparticles embedded in an oxide matrix promotes a local solid lubrication at the film surface for dry lubrication, - The formation of defined topographies through the pattern period, combined with a particular grain morphology to reduce surface friction in pure metallic films, - The control of local conductivity for printed electronics. In this context, the Chair of Functional Materials (Applicant) was granted in 2010 the European research award “Honda Initiation Grant” for the developments in preventing frictional losses and wear of materials through laser interference technology.
Publications
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Comparative study of grain sizes and orientation in microstructured Au, Pt and W thin films designed by laser interference metallurgy. Applied Surface Science, (2009) 255, 5626-5632
C. Gachot, R. Catrin, A. Lasagni, U. Schmid, F. Mücklich
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Tribological Properties of Laser Interference Induced Microstructural Architectures in Metallic Systems. In Friction, Wear and Wear Protection, Wiley-VCH / DGM (2009) Part II, 56-66. ISBN 978-3-527-32366-1
C. Gachot, P. Leibenguth, F. Mücklich
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Microstructure of sputter-deposited noble metal-incorporated oxide thin films patterned by means of laser interference. Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. (2011) 1339
R. Catrin, T. Gries, D. Horwat, S. Migot, F. Mücklich
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Nano-scale and surface precipitation of metallic particles in laser interference patterned noble metal oxide thin films. Applied Surface Science (2011) 257, 5223-5229
R. Catrin, D. Horwat, J-F. Pierson, S. Migot, Y. Hun, F. Mücklich
