A chain conveyor assembly having the combination of a polymeric material
and a hard diamond-like coating at the frictional interface of the chain
links. The conveyor chain preferably includes male and female links
connected to one another by connector pins. The shaft of each connector
pin is coated with a diamond-like coating having high hardness, low
friction and low wear characteristics. Opposite ends of the connector
pins are connected to the female link while the shaft of the connector
pin passes through the male link. A polymeric bushing is fitted to the
male link in engagement with the shaft of the connector pin. Accordingly,
relative movement between the links occurs at the interface of the DLC
connector pin and the polymeric bushing.