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

小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第二阶段项目旨在展示基于真空电弧技术的商业可行的硼沉积源的运行情况。该源用于沉积硬度与钻石相当的硼基自润滑涂层，这种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，在适当的支撑和加热下，生产出能在恶劣的真空电弧环境中幸存下来的硼阴极。这项第一阶段专利技术将应用于第二阶段，以演示所需薄膜的生产。重点将放在近纯硼的超硬形式上，尽管一些化合物也令人感兴趣。为避免水源连续运行时损坏，将对阳极及周围结构进行水冷却。将使用成熟的壁面调节技术来减少真空室内表面对薄膜的污染。与一家主要的涂料公司和一家主要的重型机械制造商合作，为部件提供低摩擦、硬涂层，将为这个二期项目提供宝贵的实物支持，并为第三阶段的商业化铺平道路。硼涂层具有优异的硬度、摩擦学(低摩擦)和耐腐蚀性。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，这种涂层可能会在高温、低热损失的柴油发动机中消除添加润滑油的需要，从而大幅减少颗粒物排放。

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.