Protective nanocrystalline coating to enable consistent superlubricity

Under this STTR program, QuesTek Innovations LLC (QuesTek), teaming with Prof. Yip-Wah Chung at Northwestern University (NU), proposes to develop a nanocrystalline coating technology to enable consistent superlubricity in engines by combining computational materials design approach at QuesTek and experimental prototyping at NU, with consulting services provided by Prof. Christopher Schuh at Xtalic Corporation (Xtalic) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Phase I efforts will focus on identifying a coating composition for concept demonstration through the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating process and lubricity tests. QuesTek will develop necessary computational models for nanocrystalline coating, and computationally design the coating composition, starting from the Ni-Cr alloy. Prof. Yip-Wah Chung’s group will develop the PVD coating process for the designed coating composition and validate the superlubricity and tribofilm formation through ASTM standard lubricate tests and characterization. Prof. Christopher Schuh at Xtalic and MIT will provide consultant service to this project with his expertise in nanocrystalline coating development. Throughout this program, the QuesTek-NU-Xtalic team will work closely with subject matter experts at Army, OEMs, and end-users to develop and design the best nanocrystalline coating for engines using F-24 fuels.