Mechanical, Microstructural and Tribological Properties of Low-Surface Energy DLC Coatings

This presentation discusses a study of low surface energy (LSE) diamondlike carbon (DLC) films. Plasma immersion ion deposition (PIID) technique was used to prepare various DLC films on silicon and 316 stainless steel (SS) substrates. To study the film properties and search for optimal coatings with lower surface energy, low friction and high wear resistance, various precursors were used to prepare the DLC film. The coating microstructures were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM); the mechanical properties were characterized using nano-indentation; the tribological properties were studied using a pin-on-disc tribometer; and the surface energy (contact angle) was measured.