Combining polymers with diamond-like carbon (DLC) for highly functionalized materials

► This review article deals with the properties and applications of DLC films coated on polymers. ► Fundamental properties of DLC, polymers, and polymer-DLC were discussed. ► Polymer-DLC composites for gas barrier films and biocompatible medical devices were proposed. ► A new drug-eluting system utilizing DLC-coated polymers was introduced.