Influence of Carbon Nanotubes on Wear of Carbide/Cobalt Micropunch

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) coated on a tungsten carbide/cobalt (WC/Co) micropunch (150 μm in diameter) and their effect on the wear of micropunches were investigated. CNTs were synthesized by homemade method. After the punching test with Ti as the substrate, the effect of CNTs on the wear loss and the surface morphology of the micropunch had been studied by confocal laser, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and digital balance. Results show the wear of a CNTs coated micropunch obviously decreases. Even in the severe wear period, the wear loss is less than that of a non-CNTs coated micropunch. Compared with the micropunch without CNTs coating, the promising results are due to the formation of a lubrication film at the contact region by rubbing of the CNT forest; CNTs produced adhere to the micropunch surface avoiding direct contact during the punching period and providing lubricant properties to the interface by virtue of their graphitic nature.