The wear properties of Al-BN nanosheets coating by cold spray

Abstract

Pure aluminium (Al) and aluminium-boron nitride (Al-BN) nanosheets composite coating was fabricated by mechanical alloying and then cold spray. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy spectrum analysis (EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were performed to characterise the morphology and structure of the coatings. Furthermore, investigations were conducted to assess the hardness and wear behaviours of the coatings. The results indicate that BN nanosheets distributed in the Al matrix improve the hardness and antifriction properties of composites significantly. The addition of BN nanosheets into the Al coating resulted in a 44.19% increase in hardness and a 62.50% decrease in wear rate. BN nanosheets impede plastic deformation and provide self-lubrication to the coating.