Self-lubricating Ti3C2 nanosheets/copper composite coatings

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2019-01, Vol.770, p.1-5
• Main Authors: Mai, Y.J., Li, Y.G., Li, S.L., Zhang, L.Y., Liu, C.S., Jie, X.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Composite materials; Electrodeposition; MXenes; Wear and tribology
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2018.08.100

While MXenes have been strongly studied in the possible applications including energy storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, photo-, electro- and chemical catalysis, its tribological potential as a lubricant remains relatively unexplored. Here, few layer Ti3C2 nanosheets/copper composite coatings are designed and synthesized by a facile electrodeposition technique at room temperature. Their tribological behaviors are studied under dry sliding. Post-test observations including morphology and composition analysis on the wear tracks along with counterpart are conducted to understand their friction and wear mechanisms. The results show that Ti3C2 nanosheets/copper composite coatings exhibit lower of friction and wear rate than their Ti3C2-free counterparts. Our results firstly demonstrate the feasibility of using MXenes as lubricating nanofillers to significantly improve tribological properties of metal matrix composites. [Display omitted] •Ti3C2/Cu composite coating is firstly synthesized by electrodeposition.•Tribological behaviors and friction mechanism of Ti3C2/Cu are reported.•Ti3C2 is proved to be a valid lubricating filler of Cu matrix composites.