Electrodeposition of DLC films on carbon steel from acetic acid solutions

In this paper the electrodeposition of DLC films on carbon steel from aqueous acetic acid solutions and their structural and mechanical characterization are reported. The process is performed at room temperature at relatively low cell voltages (from -8 to -20 V) with entirely environmentally friendly chemicals. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of C hybridisation type have been performed by Raman spectroscopy. Microhardness and adhesion of the supported electrodeposited films have been measured by micro-indentation and scratch-testing. Notably, ductile failure was found to correspondence to a wide range of film growth conditions. The corrosion resistance of DLC-coated steel has been assessed by electrochemical impedance spectrometry in a neutral chloride solution. Optimal electrodeposition conditions were identified for the formation of high-quality DLC films ca. 270 nm thick with a high content of diamond-coordinated carbon and an ideal combination of hardness and adhesion; films formed under these conditions also confer some degree of corrosion protection to the steel substrate.