Stable nanocrystalline metal alloy coatings with ultra-low wear
AssigneeNational Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
InventorsNicolas Argibay, Michael E. Chandross, David P. Adams, Michael T. Dugger, Blythe G. Clark, Brad L. Boyce, Ping Lu
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Abstract
The present invention relates to metal coatings and methods thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to ultra-low wear noble metal alloys, such as for use in electrical contact coatings.
Claims24
A coating comprising a binary alloy, wherein the binary alloy comprises a plurality of columnar grains, and wherein at least one of the plurality of columnar grains has a grain diameter of less than about 100 nm and an aspect ratio of 1:2 or greater, and wherein the binary alloy comprises a solvent and a solute, and wherein the solute is preferentially segregated at grain boundaries.
A noble metal alloy electrical contact coating, comprising a thin film comprising an alloy of platinum and gold, the alloy comprising less than about 50 atom percent gold, and wherein the alloy comprises columnar grains with grain diameters of less than about 100 nm and grain lengths of greater than about 100 nm.
A noble metal alloy electrical contact coating, comprising a thin film comprising an alloy of platinum and gold, the alloy comprising less than about 50 atom percent gold and wherein the gold is preferentially segregated at grain boundaries.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.