Magnetron sputtering NbSe2 film as lubricant for space current-carrying sliding contact
Yang Yang, Lulu Pei, Hongzhang Zhang, Kai Feng, Pengfei Ju, Wen‐Shan Duan, Ji Li, Hongxuan Li, Xiaohong Liu, Huidi Zhou, Jianmin Chen
Abstract
Abstract This study demonstrates that magnetron-sputtered NbSe 2 film can be used as a lubricant for space current-carrying sliding contact, which accommodates both metal-like conductivity and MoS 2 -like lubricity. Deposition at low pressure and low energy is performed to avoid the generation of the interference phase of NbSe 3 . The composition, microstructure, and properties of the NbSe 2 films are further tailored by controlling the sputtering current. At an appropriate current, the film changed from amorphous to crystalline, maintained a dense structure, and exhibited excellent comprehensive properties. Compared to the currently available electrical contact lubricating materials, the NbSe2 film exhibits a significant advantage under the combined vacuum and current-carrying conditions. The friction coefficient decreases from 0.25 to 0.02, the wear life increases more than seven times, and the electric noise reduces approximately 50%.