Diamond-like carbon films for use in medical implants

The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of low-friction anti-wear diamond-like carbon (DLC) films deposited on titanium through plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD). The article discusses the test results concerning the microstructure, contact angle, surface topography, hardness and wear resistance obtained for pure titanium coated and uncoated with DLC. The surface topography of the DLC films was examined using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The surface morphology and the element distribution were determined with a scanning electron microscope equipped with an EDS analyzer. The surface texture was characterized using a non-contact optical profiler. The tribological tests were performed using a ball-on-disk tribotester under dry friction conditions and under lubricated friction conditions with Ringer’s solution as lubricant.