Ion Implantation and Ion Beam-Assisted Deposition

• Modification and coating of materials
  
  • Metals
    
  • Ceramics
    
  • Polymers
    
  • Composites
    

• Alters fundamental surface properties
  
  • Electrical
    
  • Optical
    
  • Tribological
    

• Can be used to limit
  
  • Friction and wear
    
  • Oxidation and corrosion
    
  • Fretting and fatigue failure
    

• Advantages of ion-assisted coatings
  
  • High hardness
    
  • Good adhesion
    
  • Low film stress
    
  • Deposition temperatures below 150øC
    
  • Environmentally clean
    
    
• Potential applications
  
  • Biomedical implants
    
  • Engine components
    
  • Industrial tools, bearings, and molds
    

Cobalt-chromium femoral total joint components have been coated with diamond-like carbon to improve friction and wear of artificial hit replacements. Laboratory bench tests have shown that a factor of ten increase in service life can be obtained by the elimination of wear in the polyethylene socket.

Recent work has emphasized the development and use of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films. This material, while different in structure from regular diamond, exhibits similar properties, such as high hardness and low friction. Items with surface areas up to several square feet can be coated using the ion beam facility. SwRI is currently examining the ability of DLC to increase the reliability and durability of combustion engine components such as this injector train shaft.

Institute staff have more than 30 years of experience in ion beam modification and ion-assisted deposition of advanced materials.

For more information on materials and structures, contact Dr. Ben H. Thacker, Mechanical Engineering Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, Phone (210) 522-3896, Fax (210) 522-6965.

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