Patent ID: 7455906

Claim:
A method of using a tribologically loaded component that includes a counterbody and a first surface region capable of moving in relation to the counterbody during operation, the first surface region being tribologically loaded in this context, the first surface region having a first coating, the first coating having a first layer of diamond-like carbon having a hydrogen level of at least 30 atom %, the first layer being situated in the first surface region on a surface of the component, the first coating having an adhesion layer situated between the first layer and the component, the first layer having a thickness of 0.5 μm to 20 μm, the method comprising: during operation, providing a non-lubricated, solid contact between a second surface region of the counterbody and the first surface region of the component; and using the component in one of a gas engine and a combustion engine that is driven one of: by a dry gas as a fuel, and under at least one of an oil-free combustion condition and a water-free combustion condition; wherein the first layer is deposited by a plasma-jet source, from a plasma jet; wherein the component is at least one of an injection needle, an injection valve, and a component of an internal combustion engine injection system; and wherein the hydrogen level of the first layer is between 32 atom % and 40 atom %.