Atomic-Scale Composite Protective Coatings for the Exterior Surface of Weapon Co

A novel coating technology is proposed for the protection of naval weapon components. Diamondlike nanocomposites constitute a new class of materials that exhibit unique combinations of technologically interesting properties including high adhesion to vertually any substrate (including metals, crystalline and glass dielectrics, plastics), excellent chemical and diffusion barrier properties, good hardness, high elasticity and flexibility, high wear reasistance, very high thermal-shock resistance, extememly low frictioncoefficient, controllable electrical properties, controllable refractive index, and good thermal stability expecially in oxygen-free environments. In earlier research, coated specimens survived a nine-month exposure to the corrosive environment at the bottom of the black sea with no degradation in structure or properties. These coatings are deposited at low temperature (300-500K), and the size of the substrate is limited only by chamber diameter (currently a substrateof maximum size 760 mm can be coated). Both interior and exterior surfaces can be coated. Additionally, the few micron thick films can be continuously graded in composition and hence properties tailored from the interface to the bulk, to attai9n high adhesion and desirable thermal conductivity in the same coating. The possibility of structural reinforcement of the substrate material also exists. Phase I work will be devoted to comparative evaluation of technology alternatives, empirical confirmation of the protective properties of the DLN especially for naval weapon applications, and development of a detailed technical design approach for a manufacturing technology.