DLC-Coated Thermoplastics: Tribological Analyses Under Dry and Lubricated Sliding Conditions

Abstract The purpose of this study was to increase the limited wear resistance polymers in highly stressed tribological contacts. Therefore, diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings were firstly developed and deposited on polymers. development low temperature coating process conducted an industrial scale unit. Due use polyether ether ketone (PEEK) polyamide as substrate material, tailored accordance with different mechanical properties Furthermore, analyses regarding morphology, roughness well compound adhesion between conducted. accomplished for reciprocating sliding kinematics pin-on-plate tribometer under dry conditions boundary lubricated conditions. results prove ability undergo high plastic deformations without delamination. In addition, possible formation a composite layer DLC PEEK track due energy input shown. transformations sp 2 chain into ring bindings change size distribution clusters during contact observed.