A review on diamond-like carbon-based films for space tribology

ABSTRACT

Space solid lubricants should undergo serious tests, such as high pressure, high vacuum, strong radiations and so on. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films show potential applications in space because of low friction in vacuum. However, the short sliding lifetime should be a critical issue, and many methods are used to improve it. This paper highlights the development and broad potential of DLC films with special structures used in vacuum. The frictional behaviours of DLC-based films in other space conditions, such as radiation and extreme temperatures, are also addressed. Furthermore, the tribological performances and related mechanisms under different environments are discussed. Finally, some open issues concerning space applications are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Diamond-like carbon (DLC) film
• vacuum
• radiation
• extreme temperature
• friction
• tribological property

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors are grateful to the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 51801133], ‘1331 Project’ Engineering Research Center of Shanxi [grant number PT201801], and the fund of Shanxi ‘1331 Project’ for financial support.