Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Type:

Based on type, the market is categorized into hydrogenated, hydrogen free, and others.

Trends in the Type:

• Rise in trend for using combination of the compound with other component enhances specific properties.
• The development of doped materials to improve biocompatibility and conductivity.

The hydrogen free segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• The hydrogen-free compound consists of a small amount or no amount hydrogen molecule.
• The tetrahedral amorphous carbon which is a hydrogen free compound is known because of the high fraction of Sp³
• It is the second hardest material known after diamond. This gives the compound similar properties of diamond.
• They offer biocompatibility, and stability to chemicals making them useful for healthcare applications. It reduces the wear caused by implants.
• For instance, the article published in the Advanced Materials Interaction Journal, in March 2023, states that tetrahedral amorphous carbon protects biomedical implants from wear when fabricated by physical vapor deposition on cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCr) and titanium (Ti64) alloys. The wear rates for implant disks are reduced by 48% (against CoCr) and 73% (against Ti64).
• Thus, these factors are influencing the diamond-like carbon (DLC) market trends in the coming years.

By Application:

Based on applications, the market is categorized into automotive components, medical devices, industrial machinery, electronic components, optical coatings, and others.

Trends in Application:

• The trends for reduced friction in electric drivetrains are influencing the segment.
• Rising in the trends for enhanced turbines, and landing gear in aerospace applications is influenced by the use of lightweight and durable materials.

The automotive components segment accounted for the largest market share in the year 2024.

• Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is used in the components of automotives. It enhances efficiency, performance, and durability.
• The coating of this compound reduces the wear and tear in the high contact areas of the automotive components.
• They enhance the properties of the engine by reducing the weight of the component.
• Manufacturers are incorporating this material in manufacturing automotives as it offers enhanced stability.
• For instance, in August 2024, Lamborghini introduced Temerario. The automotive consists of cast aluminum cylinder heads and titanium connecting rods. The components are coated with diamond-like carbon. This allows the engine to rev up to 10,000 rpm.
• Thus, the rise in the development of automotive components is influencing the segment.

The electronic component segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Diamond-like carbon is gaining popularity for use as a protective coat for electric components.
• The properties such as low-friction, and resistance to wear, improve the durability and performance of electric devices.
• The coating is applied to a variety of components such as semiconductors, hard disk, and connectors. This offers greater efficiency and longevity of operations.
• Additionally, they allow for good removal of heat and resistance to corrosion. This permits the use of this compound along with developing technologies.
• They find potential in the field of wearable systems, and high frequency components among others.
• Thus, these factors are influencing the diamond-like carbon (DLC) market expansion in the coming years.

By End Use Industry:

Based on end use industry, the market is categorized into automotive, healthcare, electrical and electronics, aerospace, and others.

Trends in the End Use Industry:

• The rise in the trend for advanced tooling and cutting tools influences the use of diamond-like compounds to enhance the efficiency of the material.

The automotive segment accounted for the largest Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) market share of 43.56% in the year 2024.

• Diamond-like carbon coatings are widely used in the automotive sector as they show excellent characteristics.
• These characteristics lead to the enhancement of functionality and lifespan of the vehicle components, especially the moving parts.
• They generally include camshafts, pistons, valve lifters and crankshafts.
• The hardness, low friction, and resistance to wear reduces the friction between the moving parts.
• This leads to enhanced fuel economies, reduce emissions, and increase the overall performance of the engine.
• The compound is also used in external theater parts such as gear, bearings, and hydraulic parts.
• This increases durability and reduces the cost of the maintenance.
• Thus, the aforementioned factors are influencing the development of the segment.

The electrical and electronics segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• DLC provides excellent hardness, low friction, wear resistance, and customizable electrical properties. This is important for the electrical sector.
• The compound is used to manufacture electronic devices. The devices include semiconductors, microelectrochemical systems, and hard disk drives among others.
• They are used to protect electric components from physical tears, improve performance at high speed and others.
• The development of wearable electronics such as headphones use this compound to enhance the durability and improve clarity.
• For instance, in 2021, KBear introduced new range of new Hi-Fi IEMs in India. The driver is coated with 9mm diamond-like carbon. This offers excellent fidelity.
• Thus, as per the analysis of the market, the use of this compound in electric components is influencing the segment.