Preparation and Tribological Properties of Electroless Ni-P-Graphene Nanocomposite Coating

In this study, Ni-P-Graphene nanocomposite coating was deposited on copper substrate by electroless plating. X-ray diffractometery (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize and evaluate microstructure of composite coatings. The effect of co-deposition of graphene nano sheets on friction and wear behaviors of nanocomposite coatings was investigated by pin-on-disk wear testing. Microstructural studies of Ni-PGraphene coating showed a good distribution of graphene sheets within the matrix without obvious signs of agglomeration. Comparison of Ni-P and Ni-P-Graphene coatings indicated that due to the addition of graphene nano sheets, a remarkable improvement in the tribological behavior of nanocomposite coating occurred. This properties enhancement is attributed to superior mechanical properties and unique topological structure of graphene