Investigation on tribological characteristics of graphene based nanocomposite coatings

Abstract

newline Graphene is an allotrope of carbon with single layer of atoms organized in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice nanostructure. Strength, flexibility, light weight, self-lubricity and conductivity are the remarkable properties of graphene. Graphene-based composites are anticipated to have a significant impact on a wide range of sectors, improving performance and expanding the range of possible applications. Combining graphene with already existing metallic materials to create composite materials is one of the easiest and most efficient methods to use its potential. This work focuses on developing graphene-based metallic nanocomposite surface coatings on the low carbon steel substrate to improveits tribological properties on the surface. Because, low carbon steel is the most widely used form of carbon steel. Cobalt, Nickel, Molybdenum with different combinations (0.15 wt.% and 0.45 wt.%) of graphene used to produce binary, ternary, quaternary nanocomposite coatings. Binary coatings comprised of Cobalt with Graphene (0.15 wt.% and 0.45 wt.%), Ternary coatings comprised of Cobalt, Nickel with Graphene (0.15 wt.% and 0.45 wt.%), Quaternary coatings comprised of Cobalt, Nickel, Molybdenum with Graphene (0.15 wt.% and 0.45 wt.%). The aforementioned different types of coating produced via pulsed electrodeposition method with optimized coating parameters to ensure the homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles and good adherence of the nanocomposite coatings in the entiresubstrate surface. Optimum amount of Cobalt Chloride, Nickel Chloride, Sodium Molybdate with Graphene nanoflakes are the constituents used to make electrolyte for the successful electrodeposition.