Method for producing functionally graded nanocrystalline layer on metal surface

Patent · 23 March 2010

OSTI ID:1014470

Ajayi, Oyelayo O ^[1]; Hershberger, Jeffrey G ^[2]

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1. Oswego, IL
2. Berwyn, IL

An improved process for the creation or formation of nanocrystalline layers on substrates' surfaces is provided. The process involves "prescuffing" the surface of a substrate such as a metal by allowing friction to occur on the surface by a load-bearing entity making rubbing contact and moving along and on the substrate's surface. The "prescuffing" action is terminated when the coefficient of friction between the surface and the noise is rising significantly. Often, the significant rise in the coefficient of friction is signaled by a change in pitch of the scuffing action sound emanating from the buffeted surface. The "prescuffing" gives rise to a harder and smoother surface which withstands better any inadequate lubrication that may take place when the "prescuffed" surface is contacted by other surfaces.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• Assignee: Uchicago Argonne, LLC (Chicago, IL)
• Patent Number(s): 7,682,650
• Application Number: U S Patent Application 10/841,731
• OSTI ID: 1014470
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English