Atomic force microscopy and tribology study of the adsorption of alcohols on diamond-like carbon coatings and steel

► Using AFM and tribotests we studied adsorption of hexadecanol on DLC and steel. ► Alcohols adsorb chemically and physically onto DLC and act as lubrication agents. ► Adsorption of alcohols on DLC reduces wear of the DLC coatings. ► Good correlation between AFM adsorption and tribological results was found. ► Proposed mechanisms include environmental, temperature and rubbing effects.