Electrophoretic‐Deposition of Graphene and Microstructure and Friction Behavior of Ni–Graphene Composite Coatings

Abstract

Ni–graphene composite coatings with promising friction reduction and wear resistance are successfully deposited on magnesium alloys substrate by an integrative approach involved electrophoresis and pulse electrodeposition. The optimization parameters for electrophoretic deposition are explored extensively. The effect of duty cycle on microstructure, micro‐indentation hardness, friction, and tribological properties for Ni–graphene composite coatings are investigated. The Ni matrix exhibits most refined at 60% duty cycle according to surface micrographs of the Ni–graphene composite coatings. The cross‐section microstructure and line energy spectra proves that the Ni–graphene coating is deposited on the substrates successfully and is physically bonded to the substrates. The peak value of micro‐indentation hardness about 181.78 HV at 60% is achieved. The lowest friction coefficient and minimal wear loss of Ni–graphene composite coatings are obtained at 60% duty cycle, indicating optimal friction reduction and wear resistance performance.

Electrodeposited nickel–graphene nanocomposite coating: effect of graphene nanoplatelet size on its microstructure and hardness

“…The change of the average nickel 2 presents the reported microhardness of nickel-graphene nanocomposite coatings. Comparing to other reports, the obtained results are in line with the earlier report by Dong et al, 58 in which using graphene as an additive component for the nanocomposite. Some other studies reported very high hardness coatings.…”

How Do Substrates Affect the Friction on Graphene at the Nanoscale?

“…In the calculation results shown in Figures 2-5, the materials forming substrates are specified and, in particular, the notation BLG or Gr indicates the absence of a substrate. also interesting to mention that composite coatings composed of graphene and nickel were experimentally shown to be performant in reducing friction [34][35][36].…”

Study on the Wear Resistance of Ni-Co-ZrO2 Composite Coatings with Different ZrO2 Nanoparticle Concentrations Prepared Using Electrodeposition on the Micro-Surface of Spindle Hook Teeth

“…As a kind of wear-resistant coating, Nickel-based composite coating features high hardness and good wear resistance and is widely used for improving the surface properties of substrate materials. Researchers prepared Ni-P [5], Ni-W [6], Ni-B [7], Ni-Mo [8], Ni-Zn [9], Ni-Cu [10], Ni-Fe [11], Ni-Graphene [12] and other nickel-based composite coatings on different substrates to improve the hardness of the substrates and strengthen their wear resistance. Because the nickel-base coating is made from environmentally friendly and economical materials, it has become a substitute for traditional coatings such as Cr.…”