Low Friction Coefficient Electroplated Lubricant/Nickel/Hard-Particle Nanocomposite Coatings for Transmission Gear Surfaces

In the Navy SBIR Phase I project, Inframat has demonstrated that the electroplated BN-Cr2O3/Ni nanocoating outerperforms the black oxide coating for transmission gear applications. Successful Phase I has provided the scientific and technological groundwork for further development of this advanced nanocoating technology for military and commercial applications. The proposed Phase II scales-up the BN-Cr2O3/Ni nanocoating performed in Phase II. Emphasis is on rapid commercialization of this novel nanocoating technology. Key milestones include: (1). Optimize electroplating process and coating properties for gears and other complex shaped components using the Phase I developed subscale bath. (2). Scaleup the subscale bath into large-scale coating process to coat transmission gears that can satisfy Navy’s loss-of-lubricated requirements, and coat large scale commercial machineries with significantly enhanced coating properties. (3). Launch the nanocoating technology with targeted customers The coated gears will be tested, and delivered to Navy at the end of the program, along with coating and process specifications. Program participants include US Chrome and Baxter Healthcare. US Chrome has pledged $100,000 cost share to Phase II, and will carry the follow-on commercialization funding of $200,000. Baxter also wants to fully commercialize this technology for its health products contingent upon coated components passed its product specification.