Goals
Development of Quasicrystalline thin films.
Studies of their electrical , optical, and mechanical properties.
Applications of Quasicrystal thin films for coatings.
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Technology
Develped process for forming thin films of quasicrystals, film thickness from 5 nm to microns.
Quasicrystal Coatings on a variety of substrates such as:
Stainless Steel
Silicon
Sapphire
Quartz
Glass
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Property Analysis
Mechanical Properties of i-AlCuFe.
Non-stick surface
Low surface Energy (20 mJ/m2 on stainless steel substrate)
Figure show contact angle tests with water drop:
Strong adhesion to a variety of substrates
Electrical resistivity of i-AlCuFe:
~4,000 micro-ohm cm at room temperature
Low corrosion surface
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Potential Market Applications
Medical devices
High wear parts
Low Friction coating for MEMS parts
Computer drives
Optical devices
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Patents
US Patent no. 6,294,030 B1, 2002
US Patent no. 6,574,968 B1, 2003
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