Modify surfaces with ions and arcs

Ions, arcs, and atomic-oxygen techniques have been developed at NASA to texture metals, polymers, and biomaterials for a range of medical and industrial applications. NASA originally conducted research in the field of electron bombardment because the technology involves generation of high-velocity ions, which have the potential to produce much higher propellant exhaust velocities for spacecraft than chemical propulsion. As a consequence, considerable data were collected about the effects of ion beams on a wide range of materials. Based on this information, researchers designed specialized surface modification techniques such as ion beam sputter texturing, etching, and simultaneous deposition and etching. Arc-texturing technology was developed as a result of research on high-thermal-emittance radiators. In this process, an electric arc is formed between a carbon or silicon-carbide electrode and a moving metal surface, resulting in durable, microscopically rough surfaces that emit heat more efficiently than coated materials. Atomic-oxygen texturing is a by-product of studies about the effects of atomic oxygen on the surfaces of spacecraft. The purpose of the original research was to find coatings that could withstand atomic-oxygen attack, but it evolved into deliberate bombardment of polymeric materials to increase thermal emittance or reduce co-efficient of friction.