Preparation and frictional characteristics of solid lubrication coating on CFRP surface

Abstract

Solid lubricating coatings were applied onto Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) substrates, using epoxy resin as the adhesive agent, graphite (C) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) as lubricating components, and alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) as the functional filler. The test parts were prepared by spraying technology and co-curing process. The mechanical properties of the coating were evaluated using Bar hardness and wear rate tests, while the microstructure of the coating was analysed using EDS elemental analysis technology. The test results revealed that the filler content had a significant impact on the mechanical properties. The performance of the coating was determined by the formation of a lubricating film, which resulted from the accumulation of lubricant and reinforcing material during external friction. Scheme T7 yielded the best coating performance with a ratio of epoxy resin to molybdenum disulphide to graphite to alumina of 20:8:3:2.