In our phase I work we propose to develop and test a mulilayer, ion implanted chrome nitride coating with unique applicability to gun barrel lifetime improvement. We will create an ion implanted CrN coating on top of the present chrome coating of the gun barrel. This coating will have low friction, good hardness and excellent resistance to cracking. Ion implanted coatings have excellent practical life typically 10X chromium by itself in wear situations), and we will build up a multilayer ion implanted coating. This coating is expected to significantly increase the life of the gun barrel. The coating equipment is also uniquely compatible with the cylindrical shape of gun barrel interior, and we expect it to create a coating which conforms to the barrelÂ’s rifling. The ultimate cost of the coating will be as low as $500/barrel using this technique. Initial tests of the new surface using a laser heat pulse from a cutting laser will tell is whether the surface is improved. Cross-sectional SEM will also be used to study this problem
