You wish to carry out an analysis of M2 DLC drops by Raman Spectroscopy
M2 DLC refers to a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating applied to an M2 type steel (a high-speed steel). This is a very interesting combination for industrial applications.
What is the M2 DLC?
DLC is a class of amorphous carbon-based materials that possess some of the exceptional properties of diamond, while being much easier and less expensive to produce. It is typically deposited as a thin coating on the surface of other materials.
M2 steel is a very common high-speed steel (HSS). It is a tungsten and molybdenum alloy steel known for its excellent balance of toughness, wear resistance, and hot hardness (or "red hardness"). When we talk about "M2 DLC," this means that a Diamond-Like Carbon coating has been applied to a part made of M2 steel.
Why analyze your M2 DLC drops?
M2 DLC (Metal-Doped Diamond-Like Carbon) scraps are strategic samples for validating your coating processes, optimizing your deposition parameters or investigating a failure. The analysis of these scraps allows you to:
FILAB supports you in the analysis of M2 DLC drops by Raman Spectroscopy
Optimize your M2 DLC scraps: a hidden value revealed by Raman Spectroscopy
In the tool, high-performance component, and wear parts manufacturing industries, materials such as Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC)-coated M2 high-speed steel are valuable. However, production scrap, defective parts, or used tools are often discarded without a precise assessment of their composition and recovery potential.
At FILAB, we understand that every gram of material has value. That's why we offer a cutting-edge analysis service for your M2 DLC scrap, based on Raman spectroscopy.
Raman Spectroscopy: a powerful tool for your carbon coatings
Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive and extremely powerful analytical technique, particularly suited to the characterization of carbon-based materials such as DLC and to the characterization of the structure of steels.
Key benefits for your M2 DLC drops:
Identification and characterization of DLC coating
Raman spectroscopy allows the quality of the DLC coating to be assessed by determining the sp3/sp2 ratio (amount of diamond vs. graphite bonds), a key indicator of hardness, coefficient of friction and performance.
Detection of the presence of other elements (hydrogen, metals, silicon) incorporated in the DLC layer, which can influence its properties.
Checking the uniformity of the coating on different areas of the part.
Although non-quantitative for absolute thickness, it can give indications of thickness variations.
Analysis of the M2 interface and substrate
Raman spectroscopy can reveal alterations or defects at the interface between DLC and M2 steel, which could affect adhesion.
Confirmation of the nature of the substrate in M2 or detection of possible confusion of materials.
Raman peak shifts may indicate residual stresses that influence material lifetime.
Detection of damage or alterations
Friction tests by Raman spectroscopy can highlight structural changes in DLC following wear, providing valuable information on degradation mechanisms.
Identification of oxidation or corrosion products on the surface or under the coating.
Early detection of adhesion problems before complete failure.
FAQ
No, Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique. The laser used is low-power and generally causes no visible damage or chemical alteration to the sample being analyzed, which is a major advantage, especially if the scraps are expensive or unique pieces.
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) is a carbon-based material that exhibits both diamond-like (sp3) and graphite-like (sp2) bonds. Raman spectroscopy is particularly sensitive to these different carbon hybridizations. It can be used to:
- Quantify the sp3/sp2 ratio: This is a crucial indicator of the hardness, density, and tribological properties (friction, wear) of the DLC coating. A higher sp3 ratio indicates a more "diamond-like" quality, and therefore harder.
- Detect hydrogen: For hydrogenated DLCs (a-C:H, ta-C:H), Raman can confirm the presence and influence of hydrogen on the structure.
- Assess the quality and homogeneity of the deposit: Variations in the Raman spectrum across different areas of the sample can indicate coating heterogeneity.
Raman spectroscopy is generally not widely used for accurate quantitative measurement of DLC coating thickness. Other techniques such as cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are more appropriate for thickness measurement. However, variations in the intensity of the DLC Raman signal can sometimes provide a qualitative indication of thickness variations across the same surface.
Generally no. Raman spectroscopy can be performed on very small areas (micrometers) using a Raman microscope, making it ideal for analyzing specific fragments or spots on complex-shaped parts. Sample preparation is often minimal.
Yes, depending on the desired level of analysis, we can supplement with:
- SEM-FEG/EDX to visualize the deposit morphology
- XPS for surface composition
- FTIR, Tribology, etc.
