Carbide derived carbon: from growth to tribological application

We reviewed the current research on carbide-derived carbon (CDC) for tribological applications. Carbon materials have been produced using CDC synthesis, in which the metallic components of carbides are selectively etched using high-temperature chlorination. The CDC materials show superior material properties for various applications. SiC is the most widely used carbide, so it was the main focus of the discussion. CDC films show various synthesis-parameter-dependent crystal structures, which affect the mechanical and electrical properties. We discussed the effects of CDC synthesis parameters including adding hydrogen, choosing an appropriate reaction temperature, using catalysts, and modifying the substrate surface with a gradient carbon layer on the structures and tribological properties of CDC layers. The reactions between chlorine gas and the metal components of carbides require the proper reaction temperature because the bonding strengths of carbide materials are unique. CDC-synthesized carbon materials show excellent mechanical and physical properties, which can be continuously enhanced by innovatively modifying various synthesis parameters and by combining CDC materials with other materials. Therefore, CDC materials show great potential for being used in a broader range of applications, and they may lead to new and extended applications for ceramic materials.