Industrial Nano Material Components with High Temperature Corrosion and Wear Resistance Performance for Energy Savings

72421S03-I Increasing the efficiency of energy conversion devices such as turbines and internal combustion engines will reduce overall fuel consumption in our economy. The efficiency of these devices is directly related to operating temperature. One of the key impediments to higher operating temperature and efficiency is the limited durability of bearings at high operating temperatures. This project will develop nano-ceramic composite bearing components with superior wear, toughness, and corrosion resistance at temperatures above 500¿F. Phase I will show that it is feasible to make such nano-ceramic materials and net/near net shape bearing components, and that the components will have significant performance enhancement over bearing steels in high temperature operation. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The high temperature bearings should find immediate application in high temperature turbines and internal combustion engines for power generation, transportation, and aerospace. The result would be greater efficiency in energy conversion and a reduction in fossil fuel consumption.