The research group of Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (LICP, CAS) has achieved multi-dimensional strengthening and toughening in the preparation of carbon-based composite films, especially diamond-like carbon (DLC)-based films.

The films were developed to meet the increasingly-raised standard of energy saving and emission reduction, accuracy, reliability and service life of equipment for surfaces protection techniques.

DLC-based film has long been regarded as low friction surface characterized by high hardness and low friction. However the disadvantages of low toughness, low thermal stability, low adhesion as well as high brittleness and high stress hindered its sound application under complicated environment and special conditions.

LICP research group headed by Prof. XUE Qunji and Prof. WANG Liping made a breakthrough in obtaining multi-dimensional strengthened and toughed DLC-based films using multi-functional composite vapor deposition technology. The have also developed high performance carbon based thin film technology for the surfaces of piston rings, engine lifters, valve for refrigerators, compressor blades, mold, etc. The wear failure mechanism of the carbon based thin films under special serving environment has been revealed. The service life extending theory and toughening mold influencing the composite thin film have been put forward.

Their work has received support from the National High-tech R&D Program of China. Six papers concerning the work have been published in Tribology Letters (2010,38:155-160; 2010, 38: 195-205; 2010, 40: 301-310; 2011, 41: 439-449; 2011, 41: 163-170; 2011, 41: 435-438).

Gradient multi-layered carbon-based composite coatings for the surfaces of blades of compressors and pistons of refrigerators (Image by WANG Liping et al.)

Multi-dimensional strengthening and toughening of carbon-based thin film for the surfaces of automobile engine lifters (Image by WANG Liping et al.)

Super thick DLC based thin films on the surfaces of inwall of pipes with special shape (Image by WANG Liping et al.)

Super thick DLC based thin films with large area of deposition (Image by WANG Liping et al.)

Tribology LettersPaper (2010, 38:155-160; )