To increase the hydrophobicity, non-stickiness and wear resistance of DLC surface by surface texturing using a laser ablation process

In this investigation, the hydrophobicity, non-stickiness and wear resistance of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are systemically altered by introducing different surface textures. The surface textures existed in forms of regular dimples or pillars. Regular dimples or pillars perpendicular to substrate surface were introduced using a laser ablation method. DLC was subsequently deposited on the textured surface using the magnetron sputtering technique. The effect of the geometric parameters on the surface properties was studied by varying the dimple density from 0% to 30% for dimpled samples, and the distance a between two grooves from 25 to 250 μm for the pillared samples. The hydrophobicity was measured by using a contact angle goniometer and the non-stickiness was evaluated by button shear tests. The wear performance of the textured DLC surfaces was studied by using a reciprocating ball on flat wear tester against UHMWPE balls in simulated body fluid environment. The results showed that DLC surface with pillared structure and small a values.