Development and analysis of solid lubricant coating on M2 high-speed steel using the EDC process

Abstract

This paper reports solid lubricant coating on the M2 high-speed steel substrate with MoS2:Cu (50:50) green compact electrode by electric discharge coating (EDC) process. The influence of input parameters (peak current(I) and pulse duration(ton)) on the coating responses (thickness, microhardness, and surface roughness) have been investigated. The coated materials atomic weight percentage and chemical compounds are examined through EDS and XRD analysis. The maximum coating thickness (695.3µm) reported at ton - 750 µs and I- 5A. The coated samples microhardness exhibit between 217.8 HV – 669.43 HV, which is lesser than the substrate (750 HV). The adhesive strength of the coating surface was examined using scratch test with progressive load. The result shows, adhesive strength increased at higher current level.