Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 February 2012
Laser interference patterning (LIP) and the hereby induced microstructure modifications have been investigated in gold/yttria-stabilized zirconia nanocomposite films. Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the influence of the laser treatment on the structure and microstructure of the samples. The impact of LIP on the friction coefficient has been evidenced. The initial microstructure consisted of gold nanograins homogeneously distributed in the yttria-stabilized zirconia matrix. A noticeable growth and coalescence of gold nanograins occurred near the surface in specific regions. Simultaneously, a foamy morphology, mostly consisting of gold crystals, was formed at the surface and is responsible for a drastic diminution of the friction coefficient after patterning. Furthermore, the influence of the film topography on the friction behavior is analyzed using Abbott–Firestone curves. In contrast to thermal annealing, the laser treatment proposed here is a fast procedure to partially relocate gold at the film surface and provide a local solid lubrication.