Electrodeposition of graphite-brass composite coatings and characterization of the tribological properties

Co-deposition of Cu(Zn) and graphite powders with size less than 10 μm was studied. Electrocomposite coatings were prepared by means of the conventional electrodeposition (CECD) and the sediment co-deposition (SCD) techniques. Brass electroplating cyanide bath has been selected out of electrodeposition brass. The effect of parameters such as rate of agitation and current density on the composition of electrodeposition brass and also the effect of the concentration of graphite particles in brass bath, air agitation rate on graphite incorporation within brass matrix and deposition efficiency were studied. The wear and friction properties of G–Cu(Zn) composite coatings containing different percents of graphite particles were examined. The presence of graphite particles improved antifriction properties of composite coatings. It was shown that the composite coating containing approximately 3.7 (vol.%) graphite has the best tribological properties.