Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : Nanocomposite structures formed by small crystallites embedded in a lubricant matrix present moderate-high hardness, good toughness, and low values of friction coefficient and wear rate, and they are a promising alternative for protective tasks. In this study, we have prepared Ti-Zr-C-H films as potential candidates as protective layers for biocompatible applications. The constituting elements were selected due to their proven good biocompatibility at the macroscale. The films were prepared by reactive dc magnetron sputtering, and further characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Mechanical and tribological properties were also evaluated. © 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.