Friction and wear of diamond-like carbon thin films deposited via magnetron sputtering under different bias voltages

Abstract

This paper presents studies on the friction and wear of diamond-like carbon thin films deposited on steel substrates via magnetron sputtering. The testing mode is ball-on-disc. The graphitization of diamond-like carbon during the tribotest explains the low coefficients of friction (0,09-0,15) observed. The bias voltage plays an important role on the film’s microstructure thus the friction and wear of the films in tribotests. The results showed great potential for applications of diamond-like carbon thin films in engineering.