Cold-sprayed Cu-MoS2 and Cu-MoS2-WC composite coatings were studied for their sliding wear performance in dry nitrogen. Presence of WC particles reduced friction coefficient and improved wear resistance. Dynamics of material transfer, chemical and phase composition of third bodies in the contact were examined. WC particles helped to form transfer films and smooth wear tracks; while rough wear tracks with evidence of detachment were observed for the Cu-MoS2. Subsurface microstructure of the wear tracks showed major microstructural change occurred around WC particles. Microstructure and thickness of the tribolayers at 100 and 1000 cycles exhibited minor changes. However, for Cu-MoS2, microstructural change took place more extensively with sliding, leading to unstable tribolayers, which contributed to crack formation, detachment, and eventually high wear.

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