Solid lubrication with MoS2-Ti-C films for high-vacuum applications in a nuclear fusion experimental device

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to present a study on composite coating films for solid lubrication applied on the surface of bearings and gears, which are exposed to the vacuum vessel of a tokamak fusion experimental device running under ultra-high vacuum conditions. Experimental advanced superconducting tokamak is a tokamak fusion experimental device running under ultra-high vacuum conditions. To avoid polluting the inner vessel environment, solid lubrication has been applied on the surface of bearings and gears, which are exposed to the vacuum. Design/methodology/approach Anti-friction MoS2 coatings integrated with Titanium and Carbon have been developed using the multi-target magnetron sputtering deposition technique. This paper presents the comparative testing of tribological properties for three kinds of MoS2-based coating layers. Findings Based on the test results, MoS2-Ti-C coating films are supposed to be the final selection because of the better performance of friction coefficient and lubrication longevity. Originality/value Finally, the detailed information has been characterized for the hybrid coatings, which can provide some references for applications of solid lubrications under similar conditions of high vacuum and temperature.