Effect of microtexturing on tribological performance of Ni/Ni–SiC composite coatings

Abstract

Laser surface texturing is one of the promising surface modification techniques to reduce wear and friction properties of materials. In this study, we report the comparative effect of laser surface texturing on commercial nickel, electrodeposited nickel and Ni-SiC composite coatings. Hemispherical dimples, with 80-200 mm dimple spacing, were created and examined on the surfaces of the materials studied. The results revealed that microsurface texturing with 150 mm dimple spacing considerably improved the coefficient of friction. Electrodeposited nickel has shown improved coefficient of friction under identical texturing and tribological conditions when compared to commercial nickel. Furthermore, incorporation of SiC nanoparticles in nickel, by codeposition processes, resulted in the increase in microhardness of the coating, which in turn prevented the dimples from being deformed after wear testing. Dimple spacing accuracy and incorporated second phase ceramic particles both contributed significantly to reduction in coefficient of friction of electrodeposited Ni-SiC composite coatings.

Ultraviolet Nanosecond Laser Treatment to Reduce the Friction Coefficient of Silicon Carbide Ceramics

“…Structural materials, including alloys and metals, as well as ceramics, have been subjected to laser texturing. This method has proved to ensure an increase in the operational characteristics of mechanisms and machine parts, as well as a decrease in the friction coefficient [7][8][9]. In [10][11][12][13] it was also shown that tribological properties of materials can be improved by surface microstructuring with laser treatment.…”

Perpetual effect of laser surface texturing on tribological properties of Ti3SiC2/GNP composite—A fretting wear study

“…Most of the studies reveal that, these microtextures act like micropockets for wear debris in either dry or lubricated sliding conditions. These microstructures also act as microreservoirs for lubricant under the conditions of lubrication starvation and are predictable to form a lubricating film which leads to reduced friction 21–23 …”

Investigation of the physical and mechanical properties of Ni–P and Ni–P–PTFE nanocomposite coatings deposited on aluminum alloy 7023

“…4 Adding ceramic particles as a reinforcing phase into Ni-P matrix via electroless process not only improves physical and mechanical properties, but also adds up new features to the coating's performance. 5 In the last decade, a variety of particles were added to the coatings such as TiO 2 , 6,7 Al 2 O 3 , 8 SiC, 9,10 ZrO 2 , 11 and lubricating particles (polytetrafluoroethylene). 12 Hard reinforcement particles usually are used to improve the hardness and wear resistance of coatings while soft particles reduce its friction coefficient, in fact these particles increase the lubrication of coatings.…”

“…In the last decade, a variety of particles were added to the coatings such as TiO 2 , 6,7 Al 2 O 3 , 8 SiC, 9,10 ZrO 2 , 11 and lubricating particles (polytetrafluoroethylene). 12…”