Improvement of CBERS-3 satellite imaging camera components by plasma immersion ion implantation on SS304

Abstract

Camera components made of stainless steel (SS304) and Ti-6Al-4V alloy are used as anti-vibrator stoppers (pin-pull) for the focusing imaging system embedded in satellites that are remotely operated. Vibration tests for the certification China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite 3 (CBERS-3) generated galling problems in some parts of these components. Nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (N-PIII) was an useful technique to enhance the surface properties of these components and consequently to overcome such problems. This work shows the characterization of implanted SS304 samples to explain the surface modifications that allow the improving of the mentioned components. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the samples indicated that N-PIII at 12 kV form expanded austenite phase with 0.7 micrometers of thickness and atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed a typical nodular morphology at the surface. Hardness measurements revealed a significant increase in the surface hardness after N-PIII treatment. Wear tests using a pin-on-disc device showed an increase in wear resistance and a reduction in the friction coefficient. Such observed surface modifications successfully prevented galling in the pin-pull camera parts through the reduction of the adhesive mechanisms.