TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF SMOOTH DIAMOND FILMS

The tribological properties of smooth diamond coatings sliding against ruby were studied using a pin-on-disk tribometer. Smooth diamond film surface was prepared by (i) deposition of thin nanocrystalline films in the thickness range from 0.2 to 2 mu m and by (ii) post growth poli shing. Excimer laser surface ablation, microwave plasma etching and me chanical lapping with diamond grit were applied for post growth polish ing. A correlation of film surface properties examined with atomic for ce microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and sty lus profilometry has been established with the tribological performanc e of the tested diamond films.