ABSTRACT
The mechanical and tribological behaviour of diamond coatings
produced by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) is reviewed. Its
high hardness and strength makes diamond a potentially attractive
material in components that may be subject to friction and/or
wear. In addition to its mechanical properties, the high thermal
conductivity, optical properties, corrosion resistance, biocompat-
ibility and anti-bacterial properties of CVD diamond make it a
truly multifunctional material. After considering the mechanical
properties of CVD diamond the behaviour of diamond coatingswhen
subjected to abrasive, erosive and adhesive wear is discussed. The
chapter ends with a discussion of some examples of where diamond
has already found application.
