Abstract
This paper presents results of the structure analysis and tribological testing of a-C:H type diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings deposited by Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (PACVD) on CoCrMo specimens. The DLC coatings were selected because of their good biocompatibility and high resistance to corrosion and wear. The surface structure and elemental composition were determined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The tribological tests of a cobalt-based alloy disk, or alternatively, a cobalt-based alloy disk with a diamond-like carbon coating, and an alumina ball were determined using a ball-on-disk tribometer under dry friction and lubricated friction conditions. Wear resistance was studied for a pin-on-plate tribological system: a polymeric pin made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and a CoCrMo plate coated with DLC. The testing was conducted in lubricated friction conditions using Ringer’s solution as a lubricant. The test results show that the application of DLC coatings definitely improves the service life of the surface. The DLC coatings were characterized by lower wear resistance and higher corrosion resistance than the CoCrMo alloy.

Key words
diamond-like carbon, coating, chemical analysis, corrosion, friction

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