SBIR Phase II: Ultra-Hard Boron Coatings through Vacuum Arc Deposition

SBIR 第二阶段：通过真空电弧沉积制备超硬硼涂层

• 批准号: 0078385
• 负责人: C. Christopher Klepper
• 金额: $ 40万
• 依托单位: HY-TECH RESEARCH CORP
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2000
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2000-08-15 至 2002-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0078385&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: SBIR; Phase; II; Ultra; Hard

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to demonstrate the operation of a commercially viable boron deposition source based on vacuum arc technology. The source is for the deposition of boron-based, self-lubricious coatings of hardness comparable to diamond, which are also compatible with high-temperature applications. A special sintering method, developed in the Phase I, produced boron cathodes that survive the severe vacuum arc environment, when properly supported and heated. This patentablePhase I technology will be applied in the Phase II to demonstrate the production of the desired films. The emphasis will be in ultra-hard forms of nearly-pure boron, although some compounds are also of interest. Water cooling of the anode and surrounding structures will be used to avoid damage in continuous operation of the source. Well established wall conditioning techniques will be used to reduce contamination of the films from the inner surfaces of the vacuum chamber. Partnering with both a major coatings company and with amajor manufacturer of heavy machinery, that require low-friction, hard-coatings for components, will enhance this Phase II project with valuable in-kind support, as well as a clear path to the Phase III commercialization.Boron coatings have excellent hardness, tribological (low friction) and corrosion resistance properties. Their high temperature and combustion environment compatibility would make them ideal for advanced automotive applications. For example, such coatings could potentially eliminate the need for added lubricants in high temperature, low heat loss diesel engines, leading to substantial reduction in particulate emissions.

小企业创新研究（SBIR）第二阶段项目旨在展示基于真空电弧技术的商业上可行的硼沉积源的操作。 该源用于沉积硬度与金刚石相当的硼基自润滑涂层，这些涂层也适用于高温应用。 在第一阶段开发的一种特殊的烧结方法生产的硼阴极，在适当的支撑和加热下，可以在恶劣的真空电弧环境中生存下来。 第一阶段的专利技术将应用于第二阶段，以展示所需薄膜的生产。 重点将是在超硬形式的近纯硼，虽然一些化合物也感兴趣。阳极和周围结构的水冷却将用于避免源的连续操作中的损坏。将使用成熟的壁调节技术来减少真空室内表面对薄膜的污染。 与一家大型涂料公司和一家大型重型机械制造商合作，这些公司需要为零部件提供低摩擦、硬涂层，这将通过宝贵的实物支持加强该二期项目，并为第三期商业化提供明确的途径。硼涂层具有优异的硬度、摩擦学（低摩擦）和耐腐蚀性能。 它们的高温和燃烧环境兼容性使其成为先进汽车应用的理想选择。 例如，这样的涂层可以潜在地消除在高温、低热损失柴油发动机中添加润滑剂的需要，从而导致颗粒排放的显著减少。