Revestimentos de baixo atrito à base de TMDs depositados por pulverização catódica com superfícies tipo puzzle texturizadas por laser

The main aim of this project is to develop a laser-treated/patterned self-lubricating coating which can provide reduction in friction and wear even when low contact stresses are present, i.e, in contact with soft materials like rubber or polymers. Friction alone gobbles up an estimated 20% of global energy consumption. Wear, one of the culprits behind this energy drain, is the gradual deterioration of a solid surface caused by rubbing against another. This tribological process, often involving material loss, necessitates the remaking of worn parts, further consuming around 3% of the world's energy. To combat this energy waste, improving the tribological properties of components, especially those enduring dry sliding contact, is crucial. TMD-based self-lubricating coatings hold immense promise for dry sliding contacts, offering a compelling alternative to established solutions like diamond-like-carbon (DLC) coatings. However, compared to DLCs, TMD research remains in its infancy, presenting a vast landscape for development and optimization. One particularly underexplored avenue lies in the application of TMD coatings to interfaces involving soft materials like rubber and polymers. While our group has made some initial forays into this area, the field as a whole lacks extensive research. Laser treatment emerges as a fascinating technique to tailor the chemical and mechanical properties of these coatings. In the case of TMDs, lasers have the potential to induce highly localized changes, such as crystallization of the TMD phase, which can significantly improve their frictional response. However, this approach comes with its own set of challenges. Laser irradiation can trigger undesirable transformations like oxidation of the TMDs or conversion of any incorporated carbon into graphite. Successfully navigating these challenges necessitates a truly interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon expertise from various engineering fields. Material engineers play a crucial role in understanding and controlling the laser-induced transformations within the coating itself. Mechanical engineers provide in-depth knowledge of friction and wear behavior, allowing for the optimization of these properties. Additionally, the manipulation of laser light requires a solid foundation in optical engineering. This multifaceted approach further underscores the excitingly interdisciplinary nature of this research area.