A Novel Technology to Deposition Diamond-Like Carbon Thin Films: Cathodic Cylinder Plasma Deposition

This study investigates the influence of deposition temperature on the formation of diamond-Like carbon (DLC) films on AISI 4340 steel using the cathodic cylinder plasma deposition (CCyPD) technique. The films were deposited in an acetylene atmosphere at 350°C, 400°C, and 450°C, and the samples were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vickers hardness testing, and friction coefficient measurements. The results indicate that increasing the deposition temperature significantly impacts the microstructure and tribological properties of the DLC films. At 450°C, the films exhibited higher hardness due to the increased concentration of sp³ carbon, which led to a denser and more rigid structure. However, a notable reduction in film thickness was observed, likely due to increased carbon deposition efficiency and structural densification. The film deposited at 400°C demonstrated the optimal balance between hardness and wear resistance. These findings highlight the critical role of temperature control in optimizing the mechanical and tribological properties of DLC films for various industrial applications.