Effect of sp2/sp3 bonding ratio and nitrogen content on friction properties of hydrogen-free DLC coatings

Hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings display markedly lower friction coefficients under a lubricated condition owing to the adsorption of oiliness agents and their decomposed components. This study examined the effect on friction properties of the sp2/sp3 bonding ratio of DLC coatings and the addition of nitrogen for improving surface wettability. Evaluations of friction properties under a lubricated condition showed that DLC coatings with a lower ratio of sp3 bonds and nitrogenated DLC coatings displayed higher friction coefficients. Results obtained by electron spin resonance revealed that adding nitrogen decreased the number of dangling bonds of DLC coatings in proportion to the sp3 bond ratio. Assuming that such dangling bonds are oiliness agent adsorption sites, it is concluded that adding nitrogen is not conducive to reducing friction coefficients.