Surface modification of boron carbide to form pockets of solid lubricant

摘要

A method of forming solid lubricant pockets in boron based and boron containing ceramic materials (i.e. boron carbide) by nitrogen ion implantation and laser annealing. By employing the present method said solid lubricant pockets may be formed in approximately the first 750 Angstroms of the surface and near surface regions of, for example, a polycrystalline boron carbide sample. Moreover, the present invention enables one to direct the formation of solid lubricants to specific areas on the boron based or boron containing ceramics to meet a specific need. The product of the present invention is a ceramic having a reduced coefficient of friction, greater durability, and reduced chipping and fracture.