Characterization of chemical bonding and physical characteristics of diamond-like amorphous carbon and diamond films

Diamond-like (amorphous) carbon (DLC) films were prepared by dc magnetron sputtering and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and diamond films were prepared by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD). For the first time, chemical and mechanical characterization of the films from each category are carried out systematically and a comparison of the chemical and physical properties is provided. We find that DLC coatings produced by PECVD are superior in microhardness and modulus of elasticity to those produced by sputtering. PECVD films contain a larger fraction of sp³-bonding than the sputtered hydrogenated carbon films. Chemical and physical properties of the diamond films appear to be close to those of bulk diamond.