New in situ low-friction technology for diamond-like carbon coatings using surface discharge treatment in ambient air

Abstract In the present paper, we develop a new in situ low-friction technology for diamond-like carbon coatings using surface discharge in ambient air. As a result, the friction coefficient dropped from 0.18 to 0.06 shortly after surface discharge. Surface profiles and Raman analysis revealed the effectiveness of surface discharge to provide a thick and soft transfer layer, providing the optimal low friction condition described by Halling. Finally, we clarified the optimum surface discharge design that low-energy surface discharge produced a thick transfer layer due to concentration of the produced debris, resulting in low friction.