Tribological Performance of Polymer Composite Coatings Modified With La2O3 and MoS2 Nanoparticles

Abstract

Abstract In this study, composite coatings of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and epoxy resin deposited with La2O3 and MoS2 nanoparticles on the surface of a Babbitt alloy have been studied in order to improve its tribological performance. A pin-on-disc tribometer was used to evaluate the tribological properties of the Babbitt alloys with and without the composite coatings. The results showed that compared with the polymer-La2O3 composite coating, the polymer-MoS2 composite coating was more effective in reducing the friction coefficient and the wear rate of the Babbitt substrate under both dry and boundary lubrication conditions compared with the polymer-La2O3 composite coating. However, the wear rate of the Babbitt alloy with the polymer-La2O3 composite coating was lower than that of the alloy with the polymer-MoS2 composite coating. The wear scratches were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The worn surface of the polymer-La2O3 coating was much smoother and more continuous than that of the polymer-MoS2 coating, meanwhile transfer films were respectively detected on the pin surfaces. The addition of nanoparticles can reduce the wear rate and friction coefficient of polymer composite coating by forming a transfer film. Hence, the polymer composite coating can protect the Babbitt substrate.