This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will continue and expand the development of new solid lubricants for bearings that operate at high rotational speed, high temperature, and under vacuum in rotating anode X-ray tubes for CT scanners and other radiography facilities. Phase I identified several promising lubricant systems, based on multi-layer coatings of silver and other metals, which were applied by ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD). Phase II will investigate substrate preparation, optimize parameters in each processing step, and study a wider range of lubricant compositions through surface analysis and laboratory testing. The best lubricant system (or systems) found in rotating-anode tube simulation will undergo full-scale testing in X-ray tubes in a CT scanner facility. Good Phase H results should lead to immediate application in commercial rotating anode X-ray tubes.

Proposed Commercial Applications

Not available.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
2R44RR014994-02
Application #
6444476
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-7 (10))
Program Officer
Swain, Amy L
Project Start
2002-02-15
Project End
2004-02-14
Budget Start
2002-02-15
Budget End
2003-02-14
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$257,457
Indirect Cost
Name
Spire Corporation
Department
Type
DUNS #
065137978
City
Bedford
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01730