Development of Lubricous Coatings and Composites for Bearings and Separators

This project will demonstrate the feasibility of providing high performance lubricants to bearing systems directly from the bearing cage material. Both coating and composite concepts will be examined. Coatings of high temperature chalcogenide lubricants will be applied to TZM alloy and to Rene 41 cage substrates by spray methods. Composites of chalcogenides and high temperature graphite will be formed by hot isostatic pressing. Thermal, mechanical, durability, and coefficient of friction properties will be determined on both coated and composite cages. Results will be assessed to determine the potential for supplying high temperature lubricants to high performance materials in wear conditions over extended periods.