ABSTRACTWe report on a recently commercialized Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating that has been deposited on polycarbonate at near room temperature, via a unique ion beam system. Aspects of high speed impact behavior, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and thermal stability of the coating are examined. Results of scanning electron microscopy studies indicate that adhesion of the DLC coating is very good; no delamination of the coating was found on ballistically tested specimens. The well-bonded DLC coating did not cause the impact performance of polycarbonate to become brittle. Chemical exposure test results show that the DLC coating is capable of protecting polycarbonate from chemical attack by aggressive organic liquids. These ion beam deposited DLC coatings have considerable potential as protective coatings for optical systems.
Development of diamond-like carbon-based nanocomposite as protective coatings