The Wear Sciences & Coatings Group (WSCG) develops monolithic and multilayer thin films for corrosion and erosion resistance, and reduced wear and friction on ceramics, metals, and polymers. WSCG works directly with customers to achieve coatings specifically designed to meet their unique needs. As one example, a thin film stoichiometry and structure tailored to exhibit a unique combination of erosion resistance and tuned electrical properties was developed for use aboard the Genesis solar particle collector satellite. In another case, a thin film with outstanding corrosion resistant properties was engineered by WSCG as a cadmium/chromium replacement. Deposition capabilities include PVD systems for sputtering thin films on plates, rods, small fasteners, ball bearings, and other complex shapes. Films can be evaluated for crystal structure, surface morphology, thickness and uniformity, erosion, EIS and PDS corrosion, friction and wear (rod-on-block, pin-on-disk, rolling contact fatigue) under a variety of in situ environments including vacuum (lubricious space coatings), steam (mesoscale heat engines), and salt spray (shipboard components). WSCG also produces a portable tribometer for evaluation of non-skid surfaces such as those used in ADA-approved walkways.

Plasma PVD Thin Film Deposition	Film Characterization	Tribological Measurement Capabilities	Custom Product and Coating Development