Improving frictional properties of DLC films by surface energy manipulation

Surface energy is essential to the friction properties of materials, but until now the investigating scope for DLC films has still been narrow. In this paper, we try to expand the surface energy scope of DLC films to their limits by surface modification and study their influence on friction properties. In this case, we not only control the surface energy of DLC films but also manipulate that of the counter balls, by using piranha etching and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) modification. The surface compositions, wettabilities and friction properties of DLC films and counter balls were investigated. The results indicate that the surface energies of DLC films and counter balls can be adjusted successfully in the ranges of 31.2 to 73.73 mJ m(−2) and 15.69 to 72.93 mJ m(−2), respectively. The frictional tests show that all the as-modified DLC films retain relatively stable friction curves, which derive from their good load-carrying and wear-resistance capabilities. Specifically, the DLC-OH covered with vast oxygen-containing groups shows poor frictional properties, owing to its high surface energy and strong adhesion. In contrast, the DLC-OTS exhibits amazing friction reduction properties, due to its ultra-low surface energy and special film structure.