Large Area Diamond Tribological Surfaces with Negligible Wear in Extreme Environments

In Phase I we demonstrated a methodology for processing large area diamond-hardfaced composites for tribological surfaces and bearings. Sliding experiments showed low friction and wear of the superhard-faced composites at both low and high temperatures. The measured wear against sand and dust was so low that it could not be detected. In contrast, all other tested materials experienced rapid abrasive wear. Most importantly, a low-cost method to produce large area fabric reinforced diamond composites for tribological applications has been developed. The primary trust of Phase II will be to optimize the processing technology for producing tribological surfaces and bearings, and to evaluate their performance in extreme environments, such as that encountered in high temperature exploration of Venus. We will continue to collaborate with NASA and industrial partners to optimize and scale the new processing technology, and to fabricate prototype bearings for performance testing at NASA’s test facility. Hence NASA will acquire patented technology and qualified supplier of superhard-faced composite bearings to operate in extreme planetary environments.

In addition to high performance bearings, potential applications include diamond substrates for radiation-resistant electronic equipment, silicon-based circuits and chips.

Since the superhard-faced composites that we are developing and optimizing experience low wear in hot corrosive environments, and are relatively inexpensive to produce, they can be used in reciprocating engines, rotary engines, rock drill bits, high-speed machining, and many other applications.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.