Tribological systems for air and space applications must perform well in the extreme environment of space and also on earth where they are assembled and tested.  No systems currently exist that meet this requirement.  We are creating new hierarchical, multifunctional, nanocomposite materials and coatings to meet this challenge.  This work is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of Chemists, Physicists, Tribologists, and Materials Scientists that have extensive background and experience in synthesis, characterization, testing, and simulation of nanoscopic materials.

      This group is developing new methods and processes to synthesize new nanocomposite coatings with silicon carbide and other ceramics, nanotubes, and polymer based nanocomposites.   Extensive tribological testing of the developed materials and coatings over the range of environments, contact pressures, and sliding velocities experienced by present and future DoD space components are being conducted. 

 

AFOSR MURI PROGRAM