Synthesis of Diamond Like Carbon by Pulsed Plasma Arc Method

Abstract

Diamond-like carbon（DLC）coatings are widely used for cutting tools due to their superior mechanical properties, which contribute to longer tool life. In this study, we developed a pulsed plasma arc method（PPAM）that generates highly activated plasma through periodic arc discharges and synthesized DLC by varying the discharge voltage. The sp³ bonding ratio, characteristic of DLC, reached a maximum of 73%, which enhanced carbon atom diffusion and promoted a densified microstructure. As a result, the microhardness and elastic modulus increased to 68.0 GPa and 325.3 GPa, respectively. This paper introduces the novel deposition method（PPAM）and presents results on the chemical bonding states, mechanical properties, and microstructures of DLC synthesized under various discharge voltages.