The development of a Cu@Graphite solid lubricant with excellent anti-friction and wear resistant performances in dry condition

Abstract

Although the anti-friction and wear resistant technology in dry condition between friction contacts has attracted widespread attention, it has limitations because of the challenges associated with the solid lubricant. A strategy is herein presented using a Cu@Graphite solid lubricant in the reduction of friction and wear in dry condition. The tribological tests were carried out at three sliding speeds (0.1 m/s, 0.3 m/s and 0.5 m/s) at room temperature with a ball-on-block contact. The graphite in the Cu@Graphite solid lubricant plays a key role in separating the contact pair to decrease the adhesion, which decreases the coefficient of friction (COF). Moreover, the copper in the Cu@Graphite solid lubricant can be transformed to the contact pair and then fill in the micro-defects and tiny scratches, which repairs the friction pair. The COF between the friction pair decreased >400% and the wear volume decreased sharply when the Cu@Graphite solid lubricant was introduced in the interface of the friction pair. In addition, the study develops a promising application prospect of the hybrid composite material, not only as a solid lubricant, but also as a repairing additive.