Nano-hardness and wear properties of C-implanted Nylon 6

The technique of ion implantation was employed for improving surface hardness and wear resistance of Nylon 6. The samples of Nylon 6 were implanted with C ions to three fluences of 2 × 1015 ions cm− 2, 1 × 1016 ions cm− 2, 5 × 1016 ions cm− 2. The pristine and implanted samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, electron spin resonance, nano-hardness indentation and wear testing. Nano-hardness and wear resistance of Nylon 6 was improved significantly and their friction coefficients reduced after carbon ion treatment. In particular, for 5 × 1016 ions cm− 2 implantation case, nano-hardness of Nylon 6 was increased to 1.096 GPa from 0.39 GPa for the unimplanted Nylon 6 corresponding to a factor of improvement about 2.81 and there was no visible wear damage on the wear surface of Nylon 6. The mechanisms underlying the improved nano-hardness and wear properties are also addressed.