Characterization of Methane Based Graphene Synthesis on H13 Tool Steel

As the demand to weld higher strength materials through friction stir welding increases, the need for better non-consumable rotating tool increases as it has to be able to endure high frictional and thermal deformation while the workpiece undergoes intense plastic deformation at high temperatures. This project aims to make use of graphene (Young’s Modulus = 1.0 TPa) in the improvement of friction stir welding tools. Nickel is coated on H13 Tool Steel substrate via Magnetron Sputtering to act as a catalyst for graphene growth. Graphene synthesis with methane gas is done through Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) process. Characterization of the interface layers are done with Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. In this report, characterisation experiments revealed an absence of graphene on bare substrate as well as the allegedly nickel coated substrate. Analysis of the surface elements revealed no nickel coating which is inferred to be the main cause of the absence of graphene. Interestingly, FE-SEM revealed crystal like structure and graphitic is nature as determined by XPS and EDS techniques