Epipolé Group

          Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is an allotropic form of carbon used in the form of thin films that present properties of great scientific and industrial interest, such as ultra-low coefficient of friction, low wear rate and chemical inertness. Although it is a widely studied material, many questions and possibilities are open, especially with regard to adhesion on steel and to application on an industrial scale in an economically viable way. The study of DLC thin films produced by Plasma-Assisted Vapor Deposition (PECVD) with electrostatic confinement is divided into several points of analysis in Epipolé Group.

          Firstly, there is a focus on increasing adhesion of films to steel substrates by modifying the chemistry of interface by using different interlayers deposited in situ and other plasma processes, such as chemical etching. Another point is the analysis of the mechanical and tribological properties of the material obtained. Combining the two concepts, new physical-chemical and mechanical adhesion models of interfaces are developed and improved for the understanding of phenomena and enhancement of the films.