Wallwork Heat Treating Co., England, has developed Nitron CA, a PVD vacuum process in which a material comprised of chromium and aluminum bound with nitrogen is deposited on complex surfaces. Thicker than normal PVD films, the dense amorphous architecture of the coating provides an excellent environmental barrier.
The resulting film is said to have high hot hardness and good resistance to high-temperature oxidation, making it ideal for components in the hot section of the aero-engine, such as compressor blades/vanes and engine ring seals.
Nitron CA also has a low coefficient of friction, which would enhance the performance of cylindrical roller thrust bearings. The lower sliding friction of the coated surface reduces the shear stresses in the slippage zones of bearing systems.
These conformal films can be applied to complex surfaces, and they impart a range of properties said to far exceed those of hard chrome plating.
The combination of well-adhered film, high hardness, and a low-friction surface make these films ideal for sliding and rolling wear applications such as bearing and seal surfaces. In addition, the high thermal integrity of Nitron CA renders the film ideal in high-temperature applications.
