Tribology of Co-sputtered Nanocomposite Au/MoS2 Solid Lubricant Films Over a Wide Contact Stress Range
Abstract
Slip-ring assemblies for spacecraft, and other sliding electrical contacts, require low friction and wear, as well as low electrical resistance and noise. Most current slip-ring technologies (both solid- and liquid-lubricated) are over forty years old, and their robustness is often less than satisfactory. Newer technologies have been developed, but have also shown limitations in spacecraft applications. We are investigating alternate material technologies to address these issues, concentrating on sputter-deposition of metals (e.g., gold) containing solid lubricants (e.g., MoS2) to form electrically conductive, lubricious nanocomposite films. In the present study, we investigated the friction and endurance of co-sputtered Au/MoS2 films in sliding contact in N2 gas at different contact stresses. Seven different film compositions were studied. Films with higher metal contents were found to perform especially well at low contact stresses, which is the regime where sliding electrical contacts operate (i.e., <1 MPa). Auger Nanoprobe analysis was used to reveal how low friction is produced, even at contact stresses well below that usually used in MoS2-lubricated systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 15, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA430653
Entities
People
- J. R. Lince
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation