Self-lubrication and wear-resistance mechanism of graphene-modified coatings

Abstract To reduce the friction coefficient of WC-17Co wear-resistant coatings, Graphene oxide were used to mix with WC-17Co powder. The SEM, EDS and Raman results were used to analyze the morphology and phase composition of graphene oxide in the powder and coating obtained by plasma spraying processes. The mechanical properties of the coatings were studied by using a microhardness tester and a universal testing machine. The friction and wear properties of the coatings were studied by using a UMT-2 friction and wear tester. The results show that among the pulverization processes, the spray granulation process can achieve a stronger and more uniform adhesion of graphene oxide on the surface of WC-17Co particles, and the graphene oxide content in the coating is higher. Graphene is still embedded in the coating as transparent, thin sheets. The bonding strength is approximately 63 MPa, the hardness is approximately 931 HV0.1, and the friction coefficient of the graphene oxide coating is reduced by approximately 22% compared to that of the coating without graphene. The formation of lubrication films in the micro-area improves the self-lubrication and antiwear effects.