ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS FOR DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON

Although greater scientific interest in recent years has concentrated on diamond than on diamond-like coatings, the real growth in applications has occurred for the latter and their doped or interlayer-modified variants. This is due to their suitability for a wider range of substrate materials, lower deposition temperature, better surface finish and ability to coat complex shapes. In particular, the friction and wear properties can be excellent and examples are given of potential and existing applications, emphasising their use as engineering coatings. Process economics are discussed and the cost benefits identified.