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Innovation & Technologie Angebot

Anodic nano coating technology enabling resistance to wear

Country of Origin: Lithuania
Reference Number: TOLT20180319001
Publication Date: 22 May 2018

Summary

One of the largest scientific research institutions in Lithuania carrying out a unique fundamental research and technological development in scientific fields of laser technologies, optoelectronics, nuclear physics, organic chemistry, bio and nanotechnologies and other areas in this field. They are offering developed an anodic anti-scratch coating obtained by electrochemical oxidation of alloys under a joint venture, commercial agreement with technical support or research cooperation agreement.

Description

The anodic coatings on aluminum are obtained by electrochemical oxidation of alloys. They show excellent hardness, corrosion resistance and paintability. However, due to high friction their application in tribological contacts is limited. The proposed technology improves the anodized coatings by applying fillers, which assure high resistance to wear. The process consists of two stages: 1) Hard anodizing to obtain nanopores of 15-50 nm in diameter and 2) impregnation of a proprietary anti-wear filler into the nanopores. Stage 1 can be performed on conventional (Type III) anodization line using hard anodizing electrolyte. Stage 2 in this technology must involve an impregnation bath with the anti-wear filler at 60°C. Consequently, energy demand would be equivalent or slightly higher than that of a standard hard anodizing process.



Anti-wear technology has been validated in field applications. Initial attempts focused on using this technology for ring-free pistons in speed model cars. In their engines, aluminum alloy piston slides directly over the cylinder wall, which is also made of aluminum alloy.  Field tests of the technology pistons have shown that engine service life improves dramatically. While standard pistons need one or two replacements in every race because of excessive wear, the anti-wear technology pistons did not show visual surface damage even after 3 races without any replacement.



The research institution developing this technology is looking for a research cooperation, joint venture or commercial agreement that would enable further advance in this technology development and application.

Advantages and Innovations

It is expected that anti-wear technology will be validated in ring-containing pistons of sport aircraft engines. Pistons that had this technology applied to them did not show any problems during on-ground tests in engine stands. Trials using high-torque regime are in preparation.

Compared to other technologies, this new anti-wear technology stands out due to its ability to restore worn-out units. In addition, this technology does not need particularly expensive equipment. It must be noted that anodic anti-wear coating is formed within the aluminum substrate itself therefore it minimises the need for additional coating equipment making it inexpensive application.

This technology can make it possible to reduce friction within moving parts and dramatically improve their wear resistance.

Stage Of Development

Field tested/evaluated

Requested partner

A scientific research institutions based in Lithuania is looking for a partner for their developed wear protective technology under a joint venture, commercial or research cooperation agreement. Technology has been tested and validated therefore the institution is keen to find a partner, who will be interested in adopting this technology to their products or be partners in further production projects.