The Study of Surface Structure and the Tribological Property of DLC-Modified NBR Elastomers Using DC-MS

Abstract

The DLC film was prepared on a nitrile rubber (NBR) elastomer by DC magnetron sputtering (DC-MS), and the sp3 ratio of the DLC film was adjusted by changing the negative bias voltage applied to the substrate. The microstructure, composition, and tribological properties of the DLC films deposited on NBR substrates were systematically investigated. The results reveal that the DLC film on the NBR surface can protect the NBR and reduce the surface roughness of the NBR. While the bias voltage ranges from 0 V to −150 V, the content of sp3 increases with an increase in the negative bias voltage. The viscoelasticity and roughness of the NBR substrate will greatly affect the DLC film’s adhesion strength and tribological behavior.