Mechanical characterization of diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated polycarbonates

Evaluations of DLC coated polycarbonates have been carried out via high speed projectile impact, three point bend, and continuous microscratch tests. Radial and circumferential microcracks appeared on the back surfaces and near the regions of impact as a results of the high speed impact stresses. Despite the impact, the adhesion of the DLC coating in the area between the cracks remained, except in the immediate vicinity of impact. In the three point bend tests, transverse cracks developed and propagated in the DLC coating when the applied strain reached the fracture limit of the coating. No Delamination occurred in the continuous microscratch tests; instead, cracking of the coating was observed in DLC coating polycarbonates. Microcracking was the dominant mode of failure which was consistent in these three diversed mechanical tests. Results of the SEM studies further confirmed microcracking prior to delamination as observed in the high speed impact tested coupons.