US-France Cooperative Research: Structure and Properties ofCrystalline-Amorphous Composite Coatings on Stainless Steel

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This award will support collaborative research between U.S. and French material scientists on the topic of ion-assisted coating of stainless steel. The U.S. investigators, all from Stanford University, are: Dr. Robert Sinclair, Dr. William Nix and Dr. David Stevenson. The French counterpart is Professor P. Moine, Laboratoire de Metallurgie Physique, University of Poitiers. Ion-implementation has become over the past decade a versatile and effective method for the modification of materials properties, including those of metals,semi-conductors, ceramics, composites and polymers. In this project the investigators will carry out a scientific investigation of the ion-assisted coating of stainless steel. The technical goal is to realize a low friction coefficient, high wear and corrosion resistant surface, by using amorphous TiNi combined with BN. The scientific issues addressed will be: 1. The relationship of the coating microstructure with ion-beam processing conditions, by carrying out thorough material characterization on a wide variety of samples. 2. Correlation of the surface properties with the microstructure, with particular attention to adhesion, nano-hardness, friction, wear and corrosion. The Poitiers laboratory is well-equipped for the ion-implantation, secondary ion-mass spectrometry and x-ray characterization, and the tribological property studies. The Stanford group has much experience with cross-section transmission electron microscopy, mechanical properties of thin films and electrochemical corrosion studies. Results of this research should provide 1) new knowledge about the structure, properties and formation mechanisms of novel and promising coatings of stainless steel and 2) improved understanding of ion-assisted coating technology.