What is Diamond Like Carbon

DLC stands for Diamond-Like Carbon

Definition

Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) is a class of amorphous carbon material that displays some of the typical properties of diamond. DLC is usually applied as coatings to other materials that could benefit from some of those properties.

Properties

  • excellent protection against wear
  • high mechanical hardness
  • chemical inertness
  • optical transparency
  • high lubricity

DLC occurs in seven different forms, which contain considerable amounts of sp3 hybridized carbon atoms. Diamond has two different crystalline polytypes: carbon atoms organized in 3-D cubic lattices, and carbon atoms organized in hexagonal lattices (called lonsdaleite).

The different forms of DLC are obtained by mixing these two polytypes in various ways at the nanoscale level of structure.

The hardest, strongest, and slickest DLC form is known as tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C). This form of DLC is at the same time amorphous, flexible, and yet purely sp3 bonded “diamond”.

COOLDIAMOND DLC®

CoolDiamond DLC® offers a Sp3 percentage of 85%

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Different deposition methods

Deposition methods

The methods for producing DLC films are broadly divided into two types: Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

CVD: Chemical Vapor Deposition

The CVD method uses a gas (a hydrocarbon such as methane). The CVD method includes radio-frequency (RF), directcurrent (DC) discharge, Penning ionization gauge (PIG),and self-discharge methods. 

PVD: Physical Vapor Deposition

The PVD method uses a solid (graphite) as the carbon source. The PVD method is further divided into the arc, sputter, and laser vapor deposition methods. 

Methods

  • Direct ion beam deposition
  • Pulsed laser ablation
  • Ion beam conversion of condensed precursor
  • Magnetron sputtering
  • RF plasma-activated chemical vapor deposition

COOLDIAMOND DLC®

Our unique deposition method enables coating at room temerature

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Applications of Diamond-Like Carbon Coatings

wide range of applications

The standard properties of DLC which are high hardness, wear resistance and slickness makes it the best coating option for a wide range of application. DLC is often used to prevent wear on metal cutting tools. DLC is also used in bearings, cams, cam followers, and shafts in the automobile industry.  

A whole new range of possibilities opens with the CoolDiamond DLC® coating. Our unique coating process at room temperature enables plastic coating (includes chalcogenides). Applications of the CoolDiamond DLC® are endless e.g. infra- red optics, thermal imaging, light weight head gear (e.g. night vision goggles, Heads Up Display), engine parts (tribology), sensors and components.

Applications

  • Tooling
  • Engines
  • Optics
  • Medical

Defence

Mission critical parts and components perform at their maximum when coated with CoolDiamond DLC®. CoolDiamond DLC® coating is the best solution for any application where a protection from high velocity airborne particles, seawater, engine fuel and oils, high humidity etc. is needed.

Optics

CoolDiamond DLC® offers an excellent surface protection combined with excellent infrared transmittance.

CoolDiamond DLC® coating is also the best coating on the market for low-light applications such as night-vision goggles, sensors or other IR. 

Space

CoolDiamond DLC® is adapted for the toughest conditions and it is the logical choice for working in space. In partnership with Defence SA, we are taking part in the South Australian Space Capability Directory . This directory provides a clear view of South Australia’s space economy & opportunities.

Norseld Pty Ltd

18 Lowe Street, Adelaide SA 5000 Australia

 +61 88231 9000

sales@norseld.com