The effect of MoDTC-type friction modifier on the wear performance of a hydrogenated DLC coating

The application of Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings for automotive components is becoming a promising strategy to cope with the new challenges faced by automotive industries. DLC coatings simultaneously provide low friction and excellent wear resistance which could potentially improve fuel economy and durability of the engine components in contact. The mechanisms by which a non-ferrous material interacts with a variety of lubricant additives is becoming better understood as the research effort in this area increases however there are still significant gaps in the understanding. A better understanding of DLC wear may lead to lubricant additive solutions being tailored for DLC surfaces to provide excellent durability (wear) as well as similar or increased fuel economy (low friction). In this work, the wear and friction properties of DLC coating under boundary lubrication conditions have been investigated.