EPSCoR Research: Bio-Inspired PTFE-Based Solid Lubricant Coatings on Nickel-Titanium for Space Mechanisms and Aerospace Applications

The goal of this project is to develop bio-inspired polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based solid lubricant coatings for 60NiTi (NITINOL 60) material. NITINOL 60 is currently under extensive evaluation at NASA due to its unique combinations of physical properties that make it very desirable for NASA’s space mechanisms and aerospace applications. However, it has poor friction and wear performances in dry contact conditions. The proposed novel coatings consist of a bio-inspired polydopamine (PDA) adhesive under-layer and a PTFE or a mixed PTFE and graphite solid lubricant top-layer. The coatings are expected to reduce the friction of the NITINOL 60 material by over 85% and its wear rate by 50% during dry contact conditions to meet a range of NASA’s critical application needs. Specifically, the novel coatings will enable NITINOL 60 ball bearings and timing gears to be developed for use in the water recovery system of the International Space Station (ISS) to combat current issues with these tribological components. The proposed research will be performed collaboratively by three investigators from three different disciplines in two Arkansas universities. The project will integrate coating process development, computational and analytical modeling, and performance evaluation to address NASA’s critical needs in solid lubrication of NITINOL 60. The research will be closely guided by NASA senior scientists Drs. Christopher DellaCorte and Samuel A. Howard from the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) and integrate with their research and development efforts to ensure its direct benefit to NASA. The project goal will be attained by accomplishing the following specific research objectives: 1) develop processes to fabricate bio-inspired PTFE-based solid lubricant coatings on NITINOL 60 substrates (Zou), 2) experimentally evaluate the mechanical and tribological properties of the coated NITINOL 60 (Zou), 3) gain a fundamental understanding of the adhesion mechanisms of PDA/PTFE coating on NITINOL 60 through multi-scale modeling, which will provide feedback for experimental refinement of the solid lubricant coatings (Wang), and 4) develop analytical models to predict static and dynamic performances of the coated NITNINOL 60 bearings (Miller). The proposed coating technologies address the needs of the Human Exploration & Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD) for improving the waste water processing bearings and gears in the ISS, the needs of the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) for resilient mechanical systems in life support systems for long term exploration, and the needs of the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) for lightweight aircraft components. The successfully developed coatings can be applied to shockproof and corrosion proof bearings for spacesuits; life support machinery; guidance, navigation, and control mechanisms; and other mechanisms that require solid lubrication. The project provides opportunities to build partnerships among Arkansas universities, NASA GRC, and Arkansas industries. It will strengthen Arkansas’s research infrastructure and science and technology capabilities in advanced materials, which is one of the six economic clusters in Arkansas. Due to the versatility of the proposed coating system, the fundamental understanding gained from this research and the coating technologies developed can be applied to improve the durability of surfaces of various mechanical components used in Arkansas manufacturing, aerospace, defense, agriculture, and gas and oil industries. We also plan to commercialize the technologies developed by partnering with NASA and Arkansas-based Companies. The successful completion of this project will enable the creation of new products and new high-paying jobs, which will contribute to and bolster the knowledge-based economy in Arkansas.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.