Tribology coatings for mobility applications - Lesson 1: How are tribology coatings designed?
Welcome to the Ionbond Summer School!
In a few short lessons, we will explore which performance-enhancing properties tribology coatings can provide to your components. Let's take a closer look at how these coatings for mobility applications are designed and which factors need to be considered.
Which coating types are used in the mobility sector?
When we talk about cars, trucks, motorcycles, or other on- and off-road transportation systems, we must not ignore DLC coatings. These coatings have been an industry standard for several years, and modern mobility simply would not be possible without them.
So, let us take a look at what exactly DLC coatings are and why they play such a significant role in these applications.
What is DLC?
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coatings are thin, amorphous carbon-based films that combine the properties of diamond (high hardness) and graphite (low friction).
Amorphous means that the carbon atoms are not arranged in a regular crystal lattice but in a disordered structure with a mix of sp² (graphite-like) and sp³ (diamond-like) bonds.
Typically, the coating thickness ranges from approximately 0.5 to 5 µm, depending on the application and required performance.
Tailoring coating properties
A key advantage of DLC coatings is their ability to be tailored to specific application requirements.
By adjusting the sp²/sp³ ratio, hydrogen content, doping with other elements (e.g. W, Cr, Si), and deposition parameters, properties such as hardness, friction, elasticity, and temperature stability can be precisely tuned.
The following notation has become established for this description: a-C:H:X.
The "a-C" denotes amorphous carbon; "H" is included if the layer contains more than 5 at.% hydrogen; and "X" is a placeholder for other dopant elements, if present.
DLC in mobility applications
DLC coatings are crucial for automotive applications because they significantly reduce friction and wear, leading to improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and extended component lifetime.
They are especially effective in highly loaded, sliding contacts such as valve trains, piston pins, and fuel injection systems, making them a key technology for modern and future mobility solutions.
DLC coatings can be applied using low-pressure technologies such as PECVD, ARC, and PVD processes. Each method offers specific advantages and limitations. For more information, please visit our webpage on DLC - Diamond-Like Carbon.
Multi-layer coating systems
As the demands on transportation performance continue to grow, multi-layer systems have been developed that consist of several individual layers.
Each layer provides a property that is essential to the overall system. One example of this is Tribobond 42, which we will encounter again in later lessons.
- Cr: Adhesion layer providing a strong bond between coating and base material
- CrN: Supportive effect under heavy loads and corrosion protection
- Cr+WC: Transition layer combining high hardness with low friction
- a-C:H:W: Tungsten-doped DLC layer
- a-C:H: DLC top coating with a low wear rate and very low coefficient of friction
How do you find the right coating for your application?
Coatings can significantly improve the surface properties of components. However, in addition to the individual design of the coating system for a specific application, the entire tribological system plays an important role.
This includes, among other things:
Involved base materials
History of the base material to be coated
Manufacturing process
Surface condition
Working environment
Understanding the tribological system
Only when the tribological system is fully understood can the coating achieve its full potential and meet the increasing demands of real-world applications.
Ionbond is happy to guide you every step of the way, from concept development into mass production.
Interested? Then please feel free to contact us below!
Questions?
Discuss your challenges with André Hieke
André Hieke, Global Product Manager Mobility, will be glad to support you.
We will get back to you as soon as possible
André Hieke
Global Product Manager Mobility
André Hieke
Global Product Manager Mobility
Ionbond Summer School
Discover all our lessons on the performance-enhancing properties of tribology coatings for mobility applications
Lesson 1: How are tribology coatings designed?
Available on 4. August 2026
In this lesson, we explore how coatings for mobility applications are designed, the factors that must be considered during development, and why DLC coatings provide key advantages for specific application requirements.
Lesson 2: Highly resilient DLC coatings for extreme applications
Available on 11. August 2026
We are diving into highly resilient DLC coatings designed for demanding mobility applications where components are exposed to high loads, increased torque, changing lubrication conditions, and rough counter surfaces.
Lesson 3: Tribology coatings for hydrogen applications
Available on 18. August 2026
We'll explore challenges like corrosion resistance, long-term reliability, stable friction behaviour, and protection against hydrogen diffusion which tribological coatings face in applications involving alternative fuels.
Lesson 4: Coating solutions for aerospace
Available on 25. August 2026
We take a closer look at coating solutions for aerospace and how coating solutions help protect critical parts against wear, corrosion, oxidation, erosion, and fatigue while supporting higher efficiency and longer service life.
Lesson 5: Coating solutions for radar antennas
Available on 1. September 2026
In this lesson, we explore the future of autonomous driving and the role of radar antennas in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These critical components require coating solutions that combine strong adhesion, high electrical conductivity, corrosion protection, uniform layer distribution, and cost-effective manufacturing at scale.