New deposition process for diamond-like carbon coatings
Among their numerous attributes, DLC films exhibit extreme hardness and high adhesive wear resistance. Depending on the deposition technique used, they may present different physical and chemical properties. For this reason, they can be potentially applied to the optical, acoustic, electronic device and corrosion resistance markets. Nevertheless, the wide applicability of the material is still restricted since it involves many technical problems to be solved regarding their deposition process. This EC-funded project led to new, cost-effective, reliable and environmentally friendly DLC coating processes and equipment for industrial applications. The new deposition equipment includes a plasma reactor and a low energy high current electron gun for fast electron injection on substrates. The new technology enables better control of substrates whatever their geometry and properties. Using various experimental techniques, the DLC physical properties were reliably correlated to the processing parameters specific to the equipment. The project work also offered a better insight on the DLC physical structure and properties, including DLC growth and nucleation activities. The application of the deposition process of DLC coatings on various demonstrator substrates resulted in two demonstrators for potential use at the industrial scale. One demonstrator included coated plastic optical components for use in sunglasses and helmet visors. These feature excellent scratch resistance, decorative capabilities, as well as improved stability and durability. The other demonstrator displayed enhanced moisture resistance for microelectronic assemblies. This new coating could lead to improved reliability of devices. All these project's advancements may increase the possibilities of extending the current use of DLC protective coatings and promoting them for new innovative industrial applications.
