Although greater scientific interest in recent years has concentrated
on diamond than on diamond-like coatings, the real growth in applicati
ons has occurred for the latter and their doped or interlayer-modified
variants. This is due to their suitability for a wider range of subst
rate materials, lower deposition temperature, better surface finish an
d ability to coat complex shapes. In particular, the friction and wear
properties can be excellent and examples are given of potential and e
xisting applications, emphasising their use as engineering coatings. P
rocess economics are discussed and the cost benefits identified.