I posted the Coates info many years ago and they spent big but is too complex to manufacture compared to the Saunders however the same ceramic coatings seem why they are possible.
This page shows some methods for education as ceramic coatings are used in jet turbines
and have come down in prices since their introduction hence rotary valve engines are possible
http://www.dynacer.com/materials/coatings/however Korolon treatment is also interesting
http://miti.cc/portfolio/low-friction ... perature-foil-bearings-2/Korolon® High Temperature Coatings
http://miti.cc/products/korolon-coatings/Mohawk Innovative Technology, Inc. (MiTi) has developed the Korolon® high temperature coatings designed for applications requiring low friction, wear resistance, low thermal conductivity, and thermal and oxidation protection. These coatings have been specifically developed and evaluated for a wide temperature range from room temperature to 2,400oF (1,315 oC).
The Korolon® coatings have been successfully used as solid film lubricants in high-speed and high-temperature rotating machinery while maintaining a low coefficient of friction and excellent wear resistance.
The high temperature Korolon® coatings have been successfully evaluated as thermal and environmental barrier coatings (TBC/EBC) on static and rotating components requiring protection from harsh environments, such as in ramjet and gas turbine engines.
Applications of Korolon® coatings:
Oil-free, high speed foil bearings
Oil-free, high speed foil seals
Foil bearings in gas turbines
TBC/EBC in ramjet simulator
High speed micromachining spindle
Oil-free, high speed air compressor
Foil bearings in turboalternator/generator
Foil bearings in fule cell compressor
Foil bearings and seals in hydrogen compressor
The Korolon® series includes both polymer-based and ceramic-based coatings. Extensive research and development have lead to refined processing methods to ensure a practical and cost-effective deposition method for coating metallic and ceramic substrates. Extensive durability testing has included high speed friction testing using journal and thrust foil bearings, adhesion testing using standard methods of bend testing, pull-testing and indentation testing; thermal stability and conductivity testing using conductive and convective heat methods; and full scale application simulation testing both in the laboratory and in the field.