Tribological behaviors of plasma sprayed CuAl/Ni-graphite composite coating

Aluminum bronze (CuAl) coating reinforced by nickel cladded graphite (Ni-graphite) was fabricated by air plasma spraying. Results show that the Ni-graphite had excellent interfacial compatibility with the CuAl matrix. With occurrence of re-graphitization of the graphite and the so-formed lubricating film on its frictional surface, the CuAl/Ni-graphite coating had a wear rate dozens of times lower than those of the other CuAl-based coatings benefited from the greatly alleviated abrasion wear and splats delamination. Additionally, the CuAl/Ni-graphite coating generated slightest damage to the frictional counterpart, showing the promise to be a bearing coating.