Diamond-like Nanocomposite Research Articles

A sustainable deposition method for diamond-like nanocomposite coatings – Insights into the evolution of atomic structure and properties

Silicon and oxygen-doped hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H:Si:O), typically termed as diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN), is amongst the most widely adapted coating materials for advanced applications. Traditionally, these coatings are deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using organosilicon precursors, which not only restrict coating stoichiometry but also have a high environmental footprint. Here, we report the deposition of highly dense and microscopically defect-free a-C:H:Si:O coating using magnetron sputtering as a facile and sustainable deposition method that allows a fine stoichiometry control. Furthermore, we investigate the evolution of the atomic structure and the local-atomic environment when Si, O, and H atoms are successively doped into the amorphous carbon (a-C) matrix. Diffraction and spectroscopic analyses of doped coatings indicate the absence of any long-range order and an atomic-scale composite structure. The results also establish that doping of a-C leads to improved sp3 bonding, formation of Si–O-based networks, and termination of carbon dangling bonds, resulting in increased structural stability. The densification of the coating, combined with improved sp3 character, results in hardness and modulus exceeding those of PECVD-deposited coatings. These findings present a viable potential of magnetron sputtering as a straightforward and greener alternative to traditional PECVD-based methods for producing a promising coating material.

Highly-hydrophobic, transparent, and durable coatings based on ZnO tetrapods with diamond-like carbon nanocomposite

This study investigates the wettability of ZnO tetrapod (ZnO-T) coatings in relation to surface morphology and protective diamond-like carbon nanocomposites with SiOx (DLC:SiOx) film parameters. Randomly distributed ZnO-Ts with different leg lengths were observed to have varying degrees of wettability, which also changed keeping samples in the dark at room temperature. DLC:SiOx films significantly increase the hydrophobicity of ZnO-T coatings, and their thickness influences the surface roughness and hydrophobicity of the coating, moreover DLC:SiOx films show protection not only from the abrasion but also passivate the ZnO-T coatings from light-induced effects. The results indicate that the largest size ZnO-T fraction with a 40 nm thickness of DLC:SiOx film can provide the best hydrophobicity represented by a water contact angle of 148°, while the smallest ZnO-T fraction with a 120 nm thickness of DLC:SiOx film can provide better mechanical durability. We expect that the detailed analysis of ZnO-T coatings with protective DLC:SiOx films conducted in this study will be advantageous for other nanostructures with protective coatings application in wettability control.

Diamond-like carbon graphene nanoplatelet nanocomposites for lubricated environments

The tribological behaviour of diamond-like carbon (DLC) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) nanocomposite has not been previously explored in a lubricated environment, with some previous studies reporting only on graphene materials on the surface of the DLC. In this study DLC-GNP nanocomposite films with various GNP coverages were synthesised by a 3 step process: spin coating a GNP suspension, heat treatment, and DLC deposition. In this study, the effect of the GNP coverage on the mechanical properties, and tribological response of the DLC-GNP nanocomposite film were studied at elevated temperatures against a cast iron pin in a base-oil lubricated environment. The study shows decrease in friction and wear of the DLC-GNP nanocomposites as the GNP coverage increased, with the lowest friction (COF ∼0.03) and wear (∼1.6 × 10−19 m3/Nm−1) achieved with a 4.5% coverage. This study reports the addition of GNP into the DLC matrix reduced both friction and wear by creating a highly graphitic transfer film on the counter-body, but for higher GNP coverages agglomeration during the spin coating of GNP islands were recorded, leading to removal of the GNP during sliding wear negating the friction reduction effect of the GNP.

Femtosecond Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures in Titanium-Doped Diamond-like Nanocomposite Films: Effects of the Beam Polarization Rotation.

We study the properties of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) formed on titanium-doped diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) a-C:H:Si:O films during ablation processing with linearly-polarized beams of a visible femtosecond laser (wavelength 515 nm, pulse duration 320 fs, pulse repetition rates 100 kHz-2 MHz, scanning beam velocity 0.05-1 m/s). The studies are focused on (i) laser ablation characteristics of Ti-DLN films at different pulse frequencies and constant fluence close to the ablation threshold, (ii) effects of the polarization angle rotation on the properties of low spatial frequency LIPSS (LSFL), and (iii) nanofriction properties of the 'rotating' LIPSS using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in a lateral force mode. It is found that (i) all LSFL are oriented perpendicular to the beam polarization direction, so being rotated with the beam polarization, and (ii) LSFL periods are gradually changed from 360 ± 5 nm for ripples parallel to the beam scanning direction to 420 ± 10 nm for ripples formed perpendicular to the beam scanning. The obtained results are discussed in the frame of the surface plasmon polaritons model of the LIPSS formation. Also, the findings of the nanoscale friction behavior, dependent on the LIPSS orientation relative to the AFM tip scanning direction, are presented and discussed.

Femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures on diamond-like nanocomposite films

We study the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) a-C:H:Si:O films and titanium-doped DLN films during femtosecond (fs) laser ablation processing with linearly-polarized beams of IR and visible fs-lasers (wavelengths 1030 nm and 515 nm, pulse duration 320 fs, pulse repetition rates 100 kHz-2 MHz, scanning beam velocity 0.04–0.4 m/s). The studies are focused on (i) comparison of high spatial frequency LIPSS (HSFL) and low spatial frequency LIPSS (LSFL) formed on DLN and Ti-DLN films by IR fs-laser processing, (ii) effects of the pulse repetition rate on the parameters of LIPSS formed on the DLN and Ti-DLN films, (iii) Raman spectroscopy analysis of the LIPSS-structured films with application for ultrathin surface graphitization, and (iv) relationship between the fs-laser-induced surface graphitization and LIPSS formation on the films. A variety of the HSFL and LSFL have been produced on the surface of DLN and Ti-DLN films, with all the LIPSS being oriented perpendicular to the beam polarization direction. The HSFL periods are varied from ~80 to 240 nm and the LSFL periods are varied from 355 to 840 nm, depending on the fs-laser irradiation conditions (wavelength, fluence, pulse repetition rate) and films properties. Various plasmonic effects such as the superposition of the HSFL and LSFL and emergence of very unusual sinusoid-like structures on the DLN and Ti-DLN films are presented and discussed. • LIPSS fabrication on DLN and Ti-DLN films with IR and visible femtosecond lasers • Effect of surface graphitization on HSFL and LSFL formation thresholds • Raman analysis of ultrathin surface graphitization on LIPSS-structured DLN films • Influence of pulse repetition rate on fs-laser ablation and LIPSS parameters • Plasmonic effects in the fs-LIPSS formation on diamond-like nanocomposite films

Sub-Threshold Fabrication of Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures on Diamond-like Nanocomposite Films with IR Femtosecond Pulses.

In the paper, we study the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) a-C:H:Si:O films during nanoscale ablation processing at low fluences—below the single-pulse graphitization and spallation thresholds—using an IR fs-laser (wavelength 1030 nm, pulse duration 320 fs, pulse repetition rate 100 kHz, scanning beam velocity 0.04–0.08 m/s). The studies are focused on microscopic analysis of the nanostructured DLN film surface at different stages of LIPSS formation and numerical modeling of surface plasmon polaritons in a thin graphitized surface layer. Important findings are concerned with (i) sub-threshold fabrication of high spatial frequency LIPSS (HSFL) and low spatial frequency LIPSS (LSFL) under negligible surface graphitization of hard DLN films, (ii) transition from the HSFL (periods of 140 ± 30 and 230 ± 40 nm) to LSFL (period of 830–900 nm) within a narrow fluence range of 0.21–0.32 J/cm2, (iii) visualization of equi-field lines by ablated nanoparticles at an initial stage of the LIPSS formation, providing proof of larger electric fields in the valleys and weaker fields at the ridges of a growing surface grating, (iv) influence of the thickness of a laser-excited glassy carbon (GC) layer on the period of surface plasmon polaritons excited in a three-layer system “air/GC layer/DLN film”.

Morpho-structural and optoelectronic properties of diamond like carbon–germanium (DLC-Ge) composite thin films produced by magnetron sputtering

Diamond-like carbon films have found various areas of application due to their particularly durable characteristics. To enhance the electrical and optoelectronic characteristics of the material, diamond-like carbon was co-deposited with Ge on p-type Si wafer using the DC magnetron sputtering technique, from which diamond-like carbon-germanium nanocomposites were obtained. The structural properties of the nanocomposites were assessed using electron microscopy techniques. The chemical structure of the nanocomposite films was confirmed using energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The electrical properties of the nanocomposite films were investigated via various electrical parameters as determined through current-voltage, capacitance–voltage, and conductance–voltage graphs. Photoresponsive and photosensitivity properties were also assessed using a solar simulator at various illumination intensities. It was concluded that nanocomposite thin films were responsive to light, where photosensitivity and photoresponsivity increased with increasing illumination intensity. The electrical characteristics of the nanocomposite films were associated with the frequency of the AC voltage applied.

Influence of structure and composition of diamond-like nanocomposite coatings on cell viability

This paper investigates the influence of the structure and properties of diamondlike nanocomposite (DLN or a-C:H:SiOx) coatings synthesized by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition on cell viability and coating biocompatibility. The structure and properties of the DLN coatings are changed by the negative pulse amplitude of the bipolar bias voltage of the substrate. The structure of the obtained DLN coatings is studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy provides angstrom-level surface-profiling information. The microhardness testing of the DLN coatings is performed on a nanohardness indenter of a three-sided Berkovich pyramid. It is shown that the higher roughness of the substrate surface, the growth in the crystalline graphite content in the coating, and Si—C bonds improve the DLN coating biocompatibility deposited at a −500 V bias voltage and the cell viability (>98% of HeLa cells), resulting in a lower cell death (1–2%). It is demonstrated that DLN coatings can be applied in biomedicine.

Tribological Performance of Diamond-like Nanocomposite Coatings: Influence of Environments and Laser Surface Texturing

Diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) films (a-C:H:Si:O films) are characterized by their unique structure and remarkable tribological properties to be pronounced under various environmental and surface modification conditions. In this paper, we investigated the effects of environments (humid air, water and oil lubrication, elevated temperatures) and laser surface texturing on tribological performance of DLN coatings. Femtosecond laser (wavelength 515 nm) was used for surface texturing. Comparative tests of DLN films sliding against different counterbodies (steel, Si3N4) in humid air and water demonstrated the low-friction and low-wear performance under water, in the absence of chemical interaction of water with the counterbody surface. The wear rates of the film and Si3N4 ball in water, 7.5 × 10−9 and 2.6 × 10−9 mm3/(Nm), were found to be considerably lower than the corresponding values 6.8 × 10−7 and 3.8 × 10−8 mm3/(Nm) in humid air, in spite of higher friction in water-lubricated sliding. Laser surface texturing of DLN films was performed to fabricate microcrater arrays, followed by tribological testing under oil lubrication at different temperatures, from 23 to 100 °C. The lubricated friction performance of laser-textured films was improved at both the room temperature and elevated temperatures. The friction coefficient was reduced from 0.1 (original film) to 0.083 for laser-textured film at room temperature, and then to 0.068 at 100 °C. The nano-/microfriction behavior of laser-structured surface characterized by lower friction forces than the original surface was demonstrated using friction force microscopy in ambient air. The obtained results demonstrate excellent tribological properties of DLN coatings in various environments, which can be further improved by femtosecond-laser-surface texturing.

Effect of diamond-like nanocomposite as antireflection layer on multi-crystalline silicon solar cells

Silicon nitride (SiNX) is conventionally used as antireflection coating (ARC) on p-type Silicon solar cells. But synthesis of SiNX involves two toxic and highly flammable gases ammonia (NH3) and silane (SiH4). To overcome this, an alternative material instead of SiNx was investigated. Diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) is such a material whose deposition as ARC follows less hazardous pathway and produces better performance in many respect compare to SiNX. DLN film is deposited by a radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (rfPECVD) process by using liquid precursor Hexamethyl disilazane (HMDSN) in argon (Ar) plasma. In this paper, the authors have compared electrical and optical parameters of multicrystalline silicon solar cells (mc-Si) for two different antireflection coatings SiNx and DLN. DLN film is characterized by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Optical properties are estimated by UV–Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. Electrical properties are measured by I-V simulator under 1.5 AM condition. The minimum reflection has been achieved 4.86% at 797 nm wavelength. The short circuit current density, JSC and open circuit voltage, VOC have been achieved from finished mc-Si solar cell are 32.54 mA/cm2 and 0.582 V respectively. Results prompt to conclude that DLN as ARC is comparable to SiNX. Thus silane and ammonia free DLN deposition as ARC, could be a good alternative of SiNX.

Effect of tungsten doping on laser ablation and graphitization of diamond-like nanocomposite films

Laser surface microstructuring of diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) films is a promising technique to improve their properties. For industrial applications, UV excimer or IR lasers with high pulse repetition rate are commonly used. In this paper, we investigate the influence of metal (tungsten) doping of DLN film on the ablation and graphitization behavior of the films using KrF laser (λ = 248 nm, τ = 20 ns) and Yb:Yag laser (λ = 1030 nm, τ = 8 ps). The response is found to be sensitive to the laser wavelength and pulse duration. For UV ns-pulses, the ablation threshold is insensitive to W-doping, showing only a slight increase for the highest tungsten concentration of 27 at.%, while the ablation rate decreases. Conversely, an increase of tungsten content in the case of the irradiation by IR ps-pulses induces a drop in the ablation threshold and an increase in the ablation rate. The structural modification of the films is analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, which also allows us to estimate the thickness of a residual graphitized layer on the surface after laser irradiation. It is found that laser-induced graphitization is stronger for doped DLN films after multipulse irradiation.

Effects of titanium doping on the structure and mechanical properties of diamond-like nanocomposite films

In this paper, we report on comparative studies of mechanical properties of diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) a-C:H:Si:O films and titanium-doped DLN films, which were focused on (i) nanoindentation and internal stress examination of DLN films of different thickness (up to 10 μm) and (ii) structural transformations and mechanical properties changes with increasing titanium content in Ti-DLN films. The DLN films were found to combine high hardness of 22–24 GPa, high elastic recovery, and low compressive stresses of 100–160 MPa. For Ti-DLN films, the hardness, elastic modulus, and residual stress were found to exhibit similar behavior vs Ti content: an initial decrease at low Ti contents was followed by gradual increase of the hardness, elastic modulus and compressive stresses. The mechanical properties changes were shown to correlate with the structure modifications induced by titanium incorporation into the DLN matrix. Raman spectra of Ti-DLN films revealed three peaks in the low-frequency region from 200 to 700 cm−1, attributed to the TiC phase. An additional evidence of the formation of TiC nanocrystals of several nanometers size was obtained using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of Ti-DLN films. The findings of Raman spectroscopy along with the TEM data have demonstrated the main factors – formation of TiC nanocrystals and increase of the sp2-carbon content, responsible for the mechanical behavior of Ti-DLN films.

Characterization and applications of diamond-like nanocomposites: A brief review

Diamond-like Nanocomposites (DLN) is a newly member in amorphous carbon (a:C) family. It consists of two or more interpenetrated atomic scale network structures. The amorphous silicon oxide (a:SiO) is incorporated within diamond-like carbon (DLC) matrix i.e. a:CH and both the network is interpenetrated by Si-C bond. Hence, the internal stress of deposited DLN film decreases remarkably compare to DLC. The diamond-like properties have come due to deform tetrahedral carbon with sp3 configuration and high ratio of sp3 to sp2 bond. The DLN has excellent mechanical, electrical, optical and tribological properties. Those properties of DLN could be varied over a wide range by changing deposition parameters, precursor and even post deposition treatment also. The range of properties are: Resistivity 10-4 to 1014 Ωcm, hardness 10–22 GPa, coefficient of friction 0.03-0.2, wear factor 0.2-0.4 10-7mm3/Nm, transmission Vis-far IR, modulus of elasticity 150-200 GPa, residual stress 200-300 Mpa, dielectric constant 3-9 and maximum operating temperature 600°C in oxygen environment and 1200°C in O2 free air. Generally, the PECVD method is used to synthesize the DLN film. The most common procedures used for investigation of structure and composition of DLN films are Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), HRTEM, FESEM and X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS). Interest in the coating technology has been expressed by nearly every industrial segment including automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, marine, energy, personal care, office equipment, electronics, biomedical and tool and die or in a single line from data to beer in all segment of life. In this review paper, characterization of diamond-like nanocomposites is discussed and subsequently different application areas are also elaborated.

Femtosecond-laser-ablation induced transformations in the structure and surface properties of diamond-like nanocomposite films

Femtosecond laser ablation processing is applied for surface modification and micropatterning of diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) films (a-C:H:Si:O films). Using a visible femtosecond laser (wavelength 515 nm, pulse duration 320 fs), microgroove patterns have been fabricated on the DLN films, aimed at further studies of their properties. The studies were focused on (i) structural transformations in the surface layers using Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), (ii) wettability of laser-patterned films, and (iii) nano/microscale friction properties of laser-patterned DLN films using lateral force microscopy. Raman spectroscopy and TEM data showed characteristic features of the surface graphitization during ultrashort-pulse ablation. High resolution TEM study of the microgrooves revealed the formation of cubic SiC nanocrystals (4–8 nm size) on the laser-ablated surface. The water contact angle measurements showed anisotropic wetting behavior of the grooved surfaces (the contact angle was different in the directions parallel and perpendicular to microgrooves), depending on the groove depth (aspect ratio). Lateral force microscopy examination (with micro-sized Si tips) showed that the laser-patterned regions exhibited low friction properties compared to the original surface. The obtained results demonstrate that femtosecond laser processing is an effective technique to generate new properties of hard DLN coatings at the micro and macroscale.

Low temperature growth of diamond-like nanocomposite films prepared by PACVD from Ar diluted siloxane plasma

Here, the diamond-like films in composite of nanostructure form are grown at low temperature (∼100 °C) from siloxane precursor incorporating silicon oxide (SiOx) moiety in amorphous carbon hydrogen (a-C:H) network using radio frequency plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition (rf-PACVD) method on various substances including ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) substrates with the change in argon (Ar) carrier gas flow rate. The deposited diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) films have been characterized using different spectroscopic techniques and tribological tests to understand the optimum deposition condition. The biocompatible nature of superior DLN film makes it a promising articulate knee and hip joint coating material.

Heat accumulation effects in laser processing of diamond-like nanocomposite films with bursts of femtosecond pulses

In this paper, we have investigated the burst mode (BM) ablation and surface structuring of diamondlike nanocomposite (DLN) a-C:H:Si:O films with femtosecond laser pulses (wavelength λ = 515 nm, pulse duration τ = 320 fs, and pulse repetition rate f = 100 kHz) under different scanning conditions (single spots and linear structures). The pulse separation in the bursts is 25 ns (intraburst frequency f = 40 MHz), and the pulse number is varied from 1 to 8. The ablation depth and specific ablation rates (μm3/μJ) are found to be higher for the burst mode compared to single-pulse irradiation, increasing with the pulse number in the burst. The obtained experimental data of the higher ablation efficiency are shown to correlate with computer simulations of the BM ablation. In correlation with the ablation findings, Raman spectra of single spots and microgrooves have evidenced a growing graphitization of the amorphous film structure with the pulse number in the bursts (at an equal energy deposited into the films). Contact-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) is applied to reveal an influence of the BM processing on the surface properties (nanoscale relief, friction) of laser-structured films. Based on the ablation and Raman data analysis, AFM examination of ablated/redeposited layers, and computer simulations of the burst mode ablation, the heat accumulation is identified as the main factor responsible for the enhanced ablation efficiency during the BM processing of DLN films. In addition, results of the high precision surface microstructuring of DLN films in the burst mode are presented.

High Temperature Characterization of a MIS Schottky Diode Based on Diamond-Like Carbon Nanocomposite Film

Many kind of materials have been inserted between metals and semiconductors to obtain metal–interlayer–semiconductor (MIS) Schottky diodes with higher barrier height. It is well known that the interlayer materials have to meet some requirements such as hold on the substrate, thermal stability and wear resistance. In this context, the diamond-like carbon (DLC) films seem good candidates as a material that can fulfill these requirements due to their superior properties. In this study, sulfur doped diamond-like carbon (S-DLC) nanocomposite film was deposited electrochemically, and it was used as an interlayer to fabricate an Au/S-DLC/p-Si MIS Schottky diode. An Au/p-Si metal semiconductor diode was also fabricated for comparison. The electrodeposited S-DLC film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Temperature dependence of the current–voltage (I–V) characteristic of the diodes was studied in the range of 300–700 K. The ideality factors (n) and barrier heights (Φb) were calculated from the forward bias I–V characteristics. It was observed that both parameters showed temperature dependence. Barrier height values were increased with increasing temperature, while ideality factors values were decreased. The observed non-linearity in Richardson plots were explained by Gaussian distributions of inhomogeneities of barrier heights. Modified Richardson plots were used to obtain actual values of barrier height. It was shown that S-DLC film can be a good candidate for the high temperature diode applications.

Femtosecond laser surface texturing of diamond-like nanocomposite films to improve tribological properties in lubricated sliding

We report on femtosecond laser ablation and surface micropatterning (texturing) of diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) films (a-C:H:Si:O films), aimed to improve tribological properties of laser-patterned films under lubricated sliding conditions. Femtosecond laser system generating pulses of 320-fs duration at the wavelength 515 nm is applied. Femtosecond laser ablation of 2.7-μm-thick DLN films is studied to determine optimum irradiation parameters for laser surface texturing with the requirements of the minimal spot size, high ablation rate, surface quality and pattern depth less than the film thickness. Periodic microcrater patterns (with 10 μm diameter, 2.2 μm depth, and different area density of microcraters) have been fabricated on the DLN films over the areas of 6 mm × 10 mm size. Tribological tests of the original and laser-patterned DLN films are performed using a ball-on-flat tribometer under linear reciprocating sliding against 100Cr6 steel balls in the presence of oil lubrication (engine oils of low and high viscosity). The ball-on-flat investigations have demonstrated the reduced friction and wear properties of the laser-textured DLN films, depending on the area density of microcraters and lubrication conditions. The obtained results evidence that femtosecond laser surface texturing is an effective technique to improve lubricated sliding performance of the DLN coatings.

Effects of AFM tip wear on frictional images of laser-patterned diamond-like nanocomposite films

Contact-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques (lateral force microscopy, force-distance curves) are applied to study the effects of femtosecond-laser ablation and micropatterning of diamond-like nanocomposite (DLN) films (a-C:H:Si:O films) on the friction behavior at the nano and microscale. A femtosecond laser (wavelength 515 nm, pulse duration 320 fs, pulse repetition rate 101 kHz) is used to fabricate line-like micropatterns (microgrooves) on the DLN films under ablation conditions with a scanning beam. Lateral force microscopy (LFM) studies of the laser-ablated microgrooves have revealed wearing-tip-induced nanofriction changes during AFM imaging with Si tip, characterized by much lower friction forces inside and around the microgrooves compared to the original surface (due to strong influence of the capillary forces on friction forces with increasing radius of the worn tip). Using wear-resistant diamond-coated tips, the friction contrast is found to reverse to higher friction in the laser-modified regions. The increased nanoscale roughness of the ablated DLN surface and redeposited surface layers is considered responsible for the observed nanofriction behavior of both the Si and diamond-coated tips.

Characterization and Applications of Diamond-like Nanocomposites: A Brief Review

Diamond-like Nanocomposites (DLN) is a newly member in amorphous carbon (a:C) family. It consists of two or more interpenetrated atomic scale network structure. The amorphous silicon oxide (a:SiO) is incorporated within diamond-like carbon (DLC) matrix i.e. a:CH and both the network is interpenetrated by Si-C bond. Hence, the internal stress of deposited DLN film decreases remarkably compare to DLC. The diamond like properties has come due to deform tetrahedral carbon with sp3 configuration and high ratio of sp3 to sp2 bond. The DLN has excellent mechanical, electrical, optical and tribological properties. Those the properties of DLN could be varied over a wide range by changing deposition parameters, precursor and even post deposition treatment also. The range of properties are : Resistivity 10-4 to 1014 Ωcm, hardness 10–22 GPa, coefficient of friction 0.03-0.2, wear factor 0.2-0.4 10-7mm3/Nm, transmission Vis-far IR, modulus of elasticity 150-200 GPa, residual stress 200-300 Mpa, Dielectric constant 3-9 and maximum operating temperature 6000C in oxygen environment and 12000C in O2 free air. Generally, the PECVD method is used to synthesis the DLN film. The most common procedures used for investigation of structure and composition of DLN films are Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), HRTEM, FESEM and X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS). Interest in the coating technology has been expressed by nearly every industrial segment including automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, marine, energy, personal care, office equipment, electronics, biomedical and tool and die or in a single line from data to beer in all segment of life. In this review paper, characterization of Diamond-like Nanocomposites is discussed and subsequently different application areas are also elaborated.