Abstract: A coating architecture is disclosed that includes a substrate having a surface finish Ra of 0.3? or finer, an intermediate layer overlying and in contact with the substrate; and a solid lubricant layer overlying and in contact with the intermediate layer. The test results of applying the coating architecture to a reciprocating hammer drill utilizing the coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coating architecture is disclosed that includes a substrate having a surface finish Ra of 0.3? or finer, an intermediate layer overlying and in contact with the substrate; and a solid lubricant layer overlying and in contact with the intermediate layer. The test results of applying the coating architecture to a reciprocating hammer drill utilizing the coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coating architecture is disclosed that includes a substrate having a surface finish Ra of 0.3? or finer, an intermediate layer overlying and in contact with the substrate; and a solid lubricant layer overlying and in contact with the intermediate layer. The test results of applying the coating architecture to a reciprocating hammer drill utilizing the coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: Ion beam modification of noble metal electrical contact coatings can achieve suitable friction and wear behavior with inherently stable low ECR. For example, this method of producing Au electrical contact coatings can produce wear properties similar to electroplated hard Au, but without the environmental concerns due to stringent OSHA regulations on the use and disposal of toxic chemicals associated with Au electroplating baths. Integration of physical vapor deposition techniques with ion implantation can produce noble metal coatings with surfaces modified to achieve the desired balance between adhesion/friction/wear and electrical contact resistance on a commercial scale.

Abstract: Ion beam modification of noble metal electrical contact coatings can achieve suitable friction and wear behavior with inherently stable low ECR. For example, this method of producing Au electrical contact coatings can produce wear properties similar to electroplated hard Au, but without the environmental concerns due to stringent OSHA regulations on the use and disposal of toxic chemicals associated with Au electroplating baths. Integration of physical vapor deposition techniques with ion implantation can produce noble metal coatings with surfaces modified to achieve the desired balance between adhesion/friction/wear and electrical contact resistance on a commercial scale.

Abstract: A new class of electrically conductive, wear resistant, and high thermal stability nanocrystalline noble metal coatings achieved by codeposition of an insoluble, unreactive, and thermally stable, grain boundary segregated ceramic species that strengthens the base metal by inhibiting grain boundary mobility and recrystallization during deposition. These coatings exhibit high hardness and wear resistance while maintaining electrical conductivity effectively equivalent to that of the pure, fine-grained base metal. The coatings exhibit relatively low friction coefficients in nominally unlubricated sliding, and high thermal stability. The friction, wear, and electrical contact characteristics of these coatings are comparable or superior to electroplated hard gold films used extensively in electrical contact applications.

Abstract: A self-lubricating aluminum alloy bearing material which can be used in vacuum, dry or moist environments which consists essentially of about 0.5 to 25, preferably about 5-20 volume percent of hard ceramic particles and about 1 to 7, preferably 3-5 volume percent of at least one solid lubricant, balance an aluminum alloy.

Abstract: Nanocrystalline carbide/diamond-like carbon composite films and synthesis method near room temperature are described wherein combined magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser ablation produce plasma fluxes intersecting on a substrate surface to form metal carbide and diamond-like carbon composite films of about 10 to 50 nm carbide crystallites encapsulated in a sp.sup.3 bonded amorphous diamond-like carbon matrix having a hardness of about 32 GPa and high plasticity, high toughness in contact loading and low friction coefficient.