Q. J. Wang, T. Marks, and L. M. Keer Northwestern University
An in-situ novel lubrication approach using a soft metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process is proposed for accomplishing 1) deposition/replenishment through the in-situ-MOCVD process, 2) solid lubrication at high temperatures for normal operation, 3) liquid metal lubrication at extremely high temperatures for sustained maximum power delivery, and 4) self-healing against thermally induced failures. The proposed research involves synthesizing, characterizing, and evaluating silver-based metal-organic compounds with tailor-made thermal properties and decomposition pathways. It is expected that metal-organic compounds developed with a wide range of decomposition temperatures and different soft metals will be a class of novel high-temperature lubricants. The results of the proposed research will provide a better understanding of the mechanistic nature of silver growth processes on metal surfaces and how such growth depends on precursor ligation, deposition conditions, and deposition technique. A significant advance in high-temperature lubrication would have great economic benefit. Moreover, a highly interactive, interdisciplinary project will provide a challenging environment for student training.
