Sticking non-stick: Surface and Structure control of Diamond-like Carbon in Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition

What is it about?

Diamond-like carbon is a thin layer applied to biomedical or industrial devices to improve properties such as wear resistance, friction, and biocompatibility. This review examines the control of diamond-like carbon (DLC) using as an example a surgical tool that has been coated to reduce bacterial adhesion and transfer of metal ions to the patient

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Why is it important?

Thin film coatings such as diamond-like carbon (DLC) can be important in controlling the properties of tools and devices. In order to ensure optimal performance it is necessary to understand the behaviour of the film and its interactions with other processes and materials. This paper highlights how the differences in the underlying material affect the DLC film and ultimately the device properties. Without this knowledge the film may perform poorly, or in worst case, delaminate - flake off - from the device, which could in some cases such as hip implants cause adverse reaction in the patient