Diamond Coating
Boron-doped diamond electrodes set technological standards in the treatment of wastewater and many other contaminated liquids. Compared to conventional cleaning processes (Advanced Oxidation Processes APO), the Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Process (EAOP) offers the significant advantage that the use of additional chemicals is unnecessary. Diamond electrodes are corrosion resistant and allow almost 100% current efficiency for the generation of OH radicals in water. Tribological applications also benefit from our polycrystalline, "real" diamond coating.
What makes our diamond coating stand out?
The diamond electrode has the largest known overvoltage to generate oxygen and hydrogen. No energy is wasted, but it is almost completely used to generate OH radicals as the strongest known oxidant. The diamond coating is highly corrosion resistant to salts and chemicals in the electrolyte. We rely on polysilicon as the base material for our boron-doped diamond electrodes as well as our diamond coating. This is an alternative to commercially available niobium substrates and is much more cost-effective and readily available.
When it comes to tribological coatings, DLC (Diamond like Carbon) is usually thought of first, but this wears out much faster compared to our "real" diamond coating. Where conventional mixed friction pairings reach their limits, our "real" diamond coating helps to go the decisive step further.
Where is our diamond coating used?
Diamond-coated electrodes are primarily used in the treatment of wastewater or for recycling process water. Here, this technology reduces the amount of organics in the water. Even thermally and chemically very stable substances, such as hormone or drug residues, are destroyed by oxidation.
In the tribological field, our customers in the mechanical seal and pump industries benefit from our know-how in particularly challenging application environments. For example, when cleanliness requirements do not permit the use of graphite and, in addition, mixed and dry friction occur simultaneously with abrasion. Mechanical seals with diamond-coated seal rings can be found, for example, in mining, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and in the oil and gas industry also too.
Advantages
Special properties of our diamond coating:
- Largest known overvoltage for oxygen and hydrogen generation (related to diamond electrode).
- Very high current efficiency for OH radical generation
- High corrosion resistance
- Highest wear resistance in tribological applications
- High hardness and thus abrasion resistance
- Excellent emergency running properties
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about diamond coating
What is diamond coating?
Diamond coating refers to the deposition of a thin layer of genuine diamond onto a substrate using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). At Schunk Carbon Technology, this advanced process is used to create components with an ultra-hard, wear- and corrosion-resistant surface. These coatings are employed in both electrochemical and tribological applications where durability and performance are essential.
What are the properties of a diamond coating?
Schunk’s diamond coatings offer a unique set of characteristics, including:
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Exceptional hardness and wear resistance
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Outstanding corrosion resistance against salts and aggressive chemicals
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High current efficiency in electrochemical processes
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Excellent dry-running capabilities in tribological systems
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Superior thermal stability
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Extended service life under extreme operational conditions
These performance attributes make Schunk’s diamond coatings particularly suitable for demanding industrial applications requiring longevity, reliability, and operational safety.
What are typical applications of diamond coatings?
Diamond coatings from Schunk are utilized across several high-performance industrial sectors, including:
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Electrochemical Processes
Used in wastewater treatment and process water recycling, thanks to boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes that ensure high oxidation power and chemical inertness.
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Tribological Applications
Ideal for mechanical seal and pump components exposed to challenging operational conditions and strict purity standards.
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Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Oil & Gas Industries
Applied to components such as sliding rings and seals that operate in corrosive and abrasive media, offering protection and longevity in harsh environments.
With their unmatched combination of mechanical strength, chemical durability, and thermal robustness, Schunk’s diamond coatings ensure enhanced protection and significantly prolonged component lifetimes.
Let us advise you
Do you have any questions about our diamond coating?