Project Title:
Ion-Beam-Modified, Atomic-Oxygen-Resistant Lubricious Surfaces
04.12-2437
910260
Ion-Beam-Modified, Atomic-Oxygen-Resistant Lubricious Surfaces
First Omega Group, Inc.
10205 West Exposition Avenue
Lakewood
CO
80226-3912
Ronghua
Wei
303-986-2437
MSFC
NAS8-39317
056
04.12-2437
910260
Abstract:
Ion-Beam-Modified, Atomic-Oxygen-Resistant Lubricous Surfaces
Lubricous wear surfaces will be developed for use on mechanisms exposed to low-Earth
orbit environment for extended periods. Such lubricous surfaces are expected to have
long wear and excellent resistance to atomic oxygen degradation. The wear surfaces
are created by ion-deposited, diamond-like carbon film and/or ion-implanted chromium
or chromium plus oxygen. The ion-beam processing and implantation equipment to be
used for this work is unique in that it employs large-diameter ion-beams of very
high current density. A novel controlled environment tribotester, capable of providing
simulated atomic oxygen environment around the wear tested surfaces, will be used
for evaluations. Expected Phase I and II results are surface modification process
and evaluation techniques sufficiently developed that NASA may confidently specify
the process to create lubricous surfaces on mechanical elements for use in long-duration,
low-earth orbit applications such as Space Station Freedom.
A surface treatment process that makes surfaces long wearing, lubricous, and resistant
to oxygen degradation will provide superior performance in critical civilian and
government terrestrial applications.
ion, deposition, implantation, atomic-oxygen, lubricous, DLC