Diamond-Like Carbon Coatings Electroplating for Space Applications

Mechanical moving assemblies and direct contact between surfaces in vacuum used in space applications have led to extensive research to find solid-solid lubricant coatings with high wear resistance, including Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings. Depending on the properties required, different methods of deposition were used for diamond like carbon (DLC) coating. In this research, the DLC coating was synthesized by electroplating method at high voltages on copper substrate. The types of carbon and coating bonds obtained were studied by Raman spectroscopy. The tribological and microstructural properties of the samples were studied by means of microhardness analysis, wear test, and FESEM. An acceptable amount of sp3 bands was obtained in the coating of DLC by electro plating method at a voltage of 470 volts. Examination of FESEM images revealed that a structure similar to cauliflower. The hardness of electroplated coatings is high due to the high amount of sp3 bands, the hardness value was measured around 1600 Vickers. The coefficient of friction of DLC coating is low and acceptable in short distances, which is suitable for space hinges with low range of motion, but with the increase of the distance, it increased significantly.