Tribological Performance of Cu-Ni Alloy Nanoparticles Synthesized using a Pulsed-Wire Evaporation Method

Abstract

Cu−Ni alloy nanoparticles were produced using a pulsed-wire evaporation method in Ar gas. The synthesized Cu−Ni alloy nanoparticles had an average size of 150 nm, were spherical in shape and agglomerated. We investigated the tribological propeties of dispersion-stabilized Cu−Ni alloy nanoparticles when used as a solid lubricant in oil at ambient temperature. The sedimentation behavior of Cu−Ni alloy nanoparticles in oil was examined using Turbiscan LAb. The particles were clearly quantified using delta backscattering profiles and peak thickness kinetics as functions of time. The rubbing surfaces were characterized after a friction test using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). We found that dispersed Cu−Ni nanoparticles as a solid lubricant in oil had superior dispersion stability properties for over 48 h. Dispersed Cu nanoparticles in oil showed a low friction coefficient and good wear rate compared to oil only. Dispersed Cu−Ni alloy nanoparticles had superior friction reduction and antiwear properties compared to Cu nanoparticles, and these effects increased with the Ni content in the alloy. However, non-dispersed Cu−Ni alloy nanoparticles had poor antiwear properties. Dispersion-stabilized Cu−Ni alloy nanoparticles in oil enhanced the rolling effect of spherical nanoparticles between rubbing surfaces during friction processes.