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

近年来，在广泛的摩擦学应用中，硬质纳米晶和纳米复合涂层在抗磨方面取得了长足的进步。然而，在开发不仅具有超硬和韧性，而且在广泛的温度和环境范围内具有自润滑性的薄膜方面，进展相当缓慢。研究主要集中在纳米复合自适应涂层，这种涂层将高度耐磨的硬质相与一种或多种纳米晶固体润滑剂(SL)相结合，在不同的环境中提供润滑。目前的研究项目旨在开发一种新的技术来制备自适应自润滑涂层，方法是制备具有高度有序的纳米孔的超硬氮化物薄膜，然后填充SLS储存库。这种方法相对于三维纳米复合材料设计的优势在于，SLS应在接触过程中以受控的速度释放，以持续补充表面并保持低摩擦系数，同时保持薄膜的机械完整性。该计划将有助于促进用于各种摩擦学应用的新型纳米织构多功能防护涂层的制造。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种行业带来更高的生产率、更大的能源节约和更好的环境合规性。SLS的使用很有吸引力，因为除了液体润滑剂的处理和处置成本外，还有环境和健康方面的考虑。此外，SLS是高真空和空间真空环境和食品加工机器的唯一替代方案。该项目的教育方面包括加强本科生研究计划和SIUC已经实施的REU计划，重点是招收代表性不足的群体。该计划还旨在提供一个K-12外展计划，包括在当地不同的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.