Abstract
Diamond–like carbon (DLC) was coated on ultra–high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) films using plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for improvement the lubricity of artificial joints. Prior to the DLC deposition, the surface of the UHMWPE was exposed to plasma ambient to enhance the film–to–substrate adhesion strength. The DLC coated UHMWPE films were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. The terminological properties of the DLC coated UHMWPE films were investigated using a Ball–on–Disk type rotator. After the Ball–on–Disk test, the surfaces of the films were observed using an atomic force microscopy. The wear amount of the plasma treated DLC coated UHMWPE films was lower than that of the non DLC coated and non plasma treated DLC coated UHMWPE films.
