INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF SOLID LUBRICANTS ADDITION ON FRICTION AND WEAR BEHAVIOR OF THERMALLY SPRAYED COATINGS

Composite coatings using mixed alloy matrices reinforced with carbon-based solid lubricants as feedstock materials were prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying. This study aims to investigate the tribological characteristics of such coatings exploring potential benefits of CNT’s as nano-additive to reduce friction and wear, increasing lubrication conditions during operation in tribosystems, such as piston ring – cylinder liner system.

The feedstock materials chemical composition along with the thermal spray parameters during coatings deposition are correlated with their respective friction coefficient and wear rate both in static and dynamic measurements. Utilizing the UMT-3 Tribometer, tribological tests are performed between the developed coatings and a reciprocating steel plate. During the experiments, the applied load , the friction force and the specimen weight are measured. The friction coefficient and the wear energy of the specimen are calculated.

The developed coatings hybrid behavior is studied. The metal (e.g Mo, Co-based) alloys anti-wear performance along with the promoted lubrication conditions during operation is revealed. The dependence of the developed coatings quality and performance on the characteristics of the feedstock powder is thoroughly discussed.