Effects of fragments on W-DLC films properties under boundary lubrication condition in the friction system

Effects of film fragments in the friction system on friction and wear properties of tungsten doped diamond-like carbon films (W-DLC) were studied in the condition of boundary lubrication. It could be observed that the average friction coefficient was increased after introducing film fragments into the friction system, where these film fragments can accelerate the breaking of the extreme thin oil film which could separate two friction surfaces when the system is under boundary lubrication conditions. The increasing friction load can accelerate the friction chemical reaction on the friction interface and lead to the crushing effect on film fragments, which decreased the friction coefficient of friction system. It was also found that the wear width, depth, and volume of the film increased by introducing film fragments and applying great load.