Activation of the SiC surface for vapor phase lubrication by Fe chemical vapor deposition from Fe(CO)5

The feasibility is demonstrated of a new approach to the vapor phase lubrication of ceramics using organophosphorus compounds. The surface of SiC is shown to be unreactive for the decomposition of trimethylphosphite, (CH₃O)₃P, a simple model for organophosphorus vapor phase lubricants such as tricresylphosphate. In order to activate the surface of SiC it has been exposed to Fe(CO)₅ at a temperature of 600 K. Chemical vapor deposition serves as a means of depositing Fe on the SiC surface. The Fe-modified SiC surface is then shown to induce the decomposition of adsorbed (CH₃O)₃P. The mechanism of (CH₃O)₃P decomposition is similar to that observed on Fe(110) surfaces modified by the presence of oxygen. It is initiated by P–O bond cleavage to produce adsorbed methoxy groups, CH₃O_(ad), which then decompose by -hydride elimination resulting in H₂, CO, H₂CO, and CH₃OH desorption. It is suggested that chemical vapor deposition of metals using high vapor pressure metal-containing compounds such as Fe(CO)₅ can serve as a mechanism for continuous, in situ activation of ceramic surfaces for vapor phase lubrication in high temperature engines.