Thick, adherent stress-free DLC coatings for demanding applications (TANDEM)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Uppsala universitet - Institutionen för teknikvetenskaper |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 320 000 |
| Project duration | June 2016 - May 2019 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The main objective of the TANDEM project was to develop a new generation of significantly improved well-adherent and hard DLC coatings with good temperature stability. This has been achieved, we have demonstrated that the density of DLC coatings can be increased using our deposition process, resulting in increased temperature stability. We have developed interlayers for the DLC films and shown good adhesion on steel. Tribological tests showed wear rate about an order of magnitude lower than that of reference sputtered coatings.
Expected long term effects
We have developed a new type of DLC coatings that approach the wear resistance of the best DLCs with much lower internal stresses. This was achieved by using High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) combined with Ne as the working gas. Ionautics AB has developed a suite of power supplies for the Ne HiPIMS DLC process. MGM Star SRL has implemented the deposition process in a production system and tested the coatings on different components.
Approach and implementation
We have demonstrated the potential of the new DLC coatings prepared by Ne HiPIMS for tribological applications. This could be achieved thanks to the range of competences available in the consortium, both at the academic and industrial partners. This way, a complete coating solution could be provided. In the course of the project, new application areas have been identified.