Combinatorial Process Development for the Synthesis of Novel Nano-Textured and Ultra-Hard Films

近年来，硬质纳米晶和纳米复合涂层的发展和多样化应用取得了长足的进步，在摩擦学领域得到了广泛的应用。然而，在开发不仅超硬和坚韧而且在广泛的温度和环境下自润滑的薄膜方面，进展相当缓慢。纳米复合自适应涂层的研究主要集中在纳米复合自适应涂层上，这种涂层结合了一种高耐磨的硬相和一种或多种纳米固体润滑剂相，可以在不同的环境中提供润滑。目前的研究项目旨在开发一种制造自适应自润滑涂层的新技术，通过生产具有高度有序纳米孔的超硬氮化膜，随后填充SLs储层。与三维纳米复合材料设计相比，这种方法的优势在于，在接触过程中，SLs应以可控的速率释放，以不断补充表面，并在保持薄膜机械完整性的同时保持低摩擦系数。该项目将有助于推进新型纳米纹理多功能保护涂层的制造，用于各种摩擦学应用。新一代自润滑材料将为包括制造和模具、材料成型、汽车、航空航天和核电在内的各个行业带来更高的生产率、更大的能源节约和更好的环保合规。除液体润滑剂的处理和处置费用外，还考虑到环境和健康问题，因此使用SLs具有吸引力。此外，SLs是高真空和空间真空环境以及食品加工机器的唯一选择。该项目的教育方面包括加强本科生研究计划和已经在SIUC实施的REU计划，重点是招募代表性不足的群体。该项目还旨在提供一个K-12扩展项目，其中包括在当地各所学校举办科学研讨会。

There have been great strides in the development and diverse utilization of hard nanocrystalline and nancomposite coatings in recent years to combat wear in a wide range of tribological applications. However, the progress has been rather slow in the development of films that are not only ultra-hard and tough but also self-lubricating over broad ranges of temperatures and environments. Research has focused primarily on nanocomposite adaptive coatings that combine a hard phase that is highly wear resistant embedded with one or more nanocrystalline solid lubricant (SL) phases that provide lubrication in different environments. The current research project aims at developing a novel technique for the fabrication of adaptive self-lubricating coatings by producing ultra-hard nitride films with highly ordered nanopores that are subsequently filled with reservoirs of SLs. The advantage of this approach over the 3-dimensional nanocomposite design is that the SLs should be released during contact at a controlled rate to continuously replenish the surfaces and maintain a low friction coefficient while the mechanical integrity of the film is maintained.This program will help advance the manufacture of new nano-textured multi-functional protective coatings for a variety of tribological applications. The new generation of self-lubricating materials will result in higher productivity, greater energy savings, and better environmental compliance for various industries that include manufacturing and tooling, material forming, automotive, aerospace, and nuclear power. The use of SLs is attractive because of environmental and health concerns in addition to the cost of treatment and disposal of liquid lubricants. Moreover, SLs are the only alternative for high vacuum and space-vacuum environments and food-processing machines. Educational aspects of the project include enhancing the undergraduate research initiatives and the REU program already implemented at SIUC with an emphasis on recruiting under-represented groups. This program also aims at providing a K-12 outreach program that includes giving science workshops at various local schools.