Review of the tribology of diamond-like carbon

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films are characterized by very low friction coefficients, high wear resistance and high corrosion resistance. Depending upon the testing environment, the coefficient of friction can be as low as 0.01. As-deposited films are wear resistant in vacuum as well as in atmospheric ambient. However, the tribological properties of DLC are strongly affected by the deposition method. This paper reviews the friction and wear properties of DLC, and of similar materials derived from DLC, as a function of the preparation method and testing environment. Mechanisms proposed to explain the tribological properties are presented and discussed. © 1993.