Tribological Behaviors of Self-lubricating Coating Prepared by Electrospark Deposition

Cu/h-BN self-lubricating coating was prepared on AISI1045 steel by electrospark deposition. The friction coefficient and wear rates were measured using the ball-on-disk method, and the tribological behaviors were discussed. Results showed that the friction coefficient decreased with an increase in sliding speed and load. The wear rate decreased with an increase in sliding speed and increased with an increase in load. The self-lubricating coating exhibited much lower friction coefficient and wear rate than the uncoated mild steel under the test condition. SEM micrographs show that the main wear mechanisms of the self-lubricating coating are abrasive wear and fatigue wear.