Development and characterisation of graphene-based composite coating on metal substrate for tribological applications

Feng, Yingdi (2025). Development and characterisation of graphene-based composite coating on metal substrate for tribological applications. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Nano-scale experimental and theoretical studies have shown the excellent tribological and corrosion-resistant properties of graphene. As interest in using these unique properties grows, there is an ever-increasing demand for producing thick and large area graphene-based coatings with strong bonding to the substrate and high load bearing capacity for real industrial applications. However, there has been limited research on metal-based graphene-reinforced composites in surface engineering. This study was focused on using electro-brush plating (EBP) technique to create cost-effective and scalable Cu-based composite coatings on metallic substrates, with relatively inexpensive graphene oxide (GO) as the reinforcement.
In this research, graphene oxide (GO) was utilised as the coating precursor, with the EBP method employed to apply the GO/Cu composites coatings on 316 stainless steel and brass substrates. Comprehensive processing studies and systematic characterisation of the coatings were conducted to explore the optimal EBP parameters and to demonstrate the feasibility of producing dense, uniform, and strongly bonded GO/Cu composite coatings using the advanced EBP technology.
Low friction and high wear resistance are essential properties for sliding bearings. In this research, advanced GO/Cu nanocomposite coatings were developed using the brush plating method to enhance the tribological performance of brass-based materials for sliding bearing application. To this end, a series of brush plating experiments were conducted under varying voltages and GO concentrations. The tribological behaviour of the GO/Cu composite coatings was evaluated using dry ball-on-plane tribological tests. The experimental results demonstrated that GO was successfully incorporated throughout the composite coating layer. The GO/Cu composite coatings significantly reduced friction and increased wear resistance of brass by two orders of magnitude, primarily due to the self-lubricating properties of the GO within the coatings. The experimental results have also shown that the GO-Cu composite coating can also enhance the electrochemical corrosion properties. It is thus anticipated that the novel GO/Cu coatings developed from this research could also have good corrosion-wear properties.
The development of novel self-lubricating and corrosion-resistant coatings great potential for sliding bearing and other tribological applications. The systematic investigation into the underlying mechanisms by which graphene oxide (GO) is effectively incorporated into copper coatings and improvements in tribological performance and enhanced corrosion resistance have also advanced scientific understanding.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):