ZnDTP antiwear additive for lubricating oil is known to absorb strongly on sliding surfaces in boundary lubricated tribosystems, forming a tribofilm, which is able to reduce the wear of involved surfaces. It is also known to increase the friction coefficient in most DLC/DLC contacts, with the exception of ta-C DLC / ta-C DLC contact, for which the difference in friction behaviors between a base oil + ZnDTP additive lubricated tribosystem and a base oil lubricated tribosystem is not very significant. In this study we investigate a characterization method of the shape of the tribofilm formed on different types of DLC coatings and on the relation between the shape of the tribofilm and the friction behavior of the related DLC coating. Results show that compared to other investigated DLC types, the tribofilm formed on ta-C DLC has some unique characteristic topography features that promote lower friction coefficient.

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Investigations on tribological behaviors of Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coating against other materials are strongly needed for scientific and industrial purposes. Recently, carbon diffusion has been found to play a key role in the wear of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) DLC coating when it is rubbed against steel counterpart material in boundary lubrication. Chromium has been reported to decrease carbon diffusion due to increase of the activation energy. In this research, we investigated on the effects of carbon diffusion on friction and wear properties of a-C:H coating when rubbed against Cr plating material. Results show that compared to steel counterpart, a-C:H coating exhibits lower friction coefficient, lower wear rate, and lower carbon diffusion rate when rubbed against Cr plating counterpart.

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