Paper TR-ThA11
Advanced SP3EC Carbon Nanocomposite Coatings
Thursday, November 3, 2011, 5:20 pm, Room 111
United Protective Technologies (UPT) has developed a room temperature plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) coating process to build carbon based coatings. Versions of this coating are in use for infrared optical applications, galvanic corrosion barriers and tribological modifications to critical components. The process used to produce SP3ECTM coatings is compatible with a wide range of materials including semiconductors, metals, polymers and composites. Deposition parameters for the SP3EC™ process can be controlled to produce a wide range of carbon based thin films, ranging from 120 nm diamond crystalline grains to low friction glassy amorphous carbon films. Layered “nano-composite” structures constructed of these films have been proven to improve the life; performance and reliability of components under high wear conditions and corrosion conditions. Additionally, the SP3EC™ process is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Current applications for SP3ECTM coatings include targeting optics with improved durability for the AH-64 along with corrosion and wear coatings for UH-60 rotor components. Tribological coatings for improved efficiency of helical gears have been developed in conjunction with advanced wear coatings for aluminum and steel components. This presentation will include details on the mechanical and barrier characteristics of SP3ECTM coatings for various applications, current process capabilities and developmental applications of this coating process.