Co-deposition of Cu/WC/graphene hybrid nanocomposites produced by electrophoretic deposition

The effects of two different reinforcements of WC and graphene on the structural and tribological properties of copper matrix were investigated. Cu/WC, Cu/graphene and hybrid Cu/WC/graphene nanocomposites were co-deposited by electrophoretic deposition to improve both electrical and tribological behaviors. The friction and wear behaviors of WC and graphene reinforced nanocomposites were investigated against Al2O3 ball under dry sliding wear conditions. Comprehensive characterizations were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and 3D profilometry facilities. Tribological test results revealed that small amount of graphene addition was able to drastically improve the antifriction and antiwear properties of hybrid Cu matrix nanocomposites because of its excellent solid lubrication effect. Tribological analysis was shown that hybrid nanocomposite with sub-micrometer WC and graphene reinforcements provided good load-bearing and tribological properties for possible future MEM applications. Wear mechanism investigation has shown that co-deposition of WC and graphene resulted in altering wear mechanisms of the Cu matrix.