Nano-scratch and nano-indentation study of diamond-like carbon/NiP-SiC nanocomposite bilayer

Abstract

To overcome the poor adhesion of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films to the steel substrate, an interlayer can be used. In this study, the effect of the addition of NiP-SiC nanocomposite coating as an interlayer in comparison to the NiP coating has been investigated on tribological properties of the DLC layer. Using nano-scratch and nano-indentation tests, the mechanical and nanotribological behaviour of the DLC layers, such as scratch resistance, coefficient of friction, interfacial adhesion between DLC layer and substrate, and hardness were characterised. DLC/NiP-SiC samples showed higher adhesion, hardness, elastic modulus, and lower friction coefficient. These results reveal the improved tribological properties of DLC film by applying the NiP-SiC nanocomposite interlayer in comparison to using the pure NiP interlayer.