Influence of structural depth of laser-patterned steel surfaces on the solid lubricity of carbon nanoparticle coatings

Abstract Carbon nanoparticle coatings on laser-patterned stainless-steel surfaces present a solid lubrication system where the pattern’s recessions act as lubricant-retaining reservoirs. This study investigates influence of structural depth line patterns coated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and onions (COs) their respective potential to reduce friction wear. Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) pulse duration 12 ps is used create three different depths at periodicity 3.5 µm AISI 304 steel platelets. Subsequently, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) applied form homogeneous patterned Tribological ball-on-disc experiments are conducted as-described an alumina counter body load 100 mN. The results show that shallower structure, lower its coefficient (COF), regardless particle type. Thereby, minimum just below 0.20, CNTs reach COF values than COs over most testing period. resulting wear tracks characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. During testing, remain in contact, immediate proximity, whereas CO coating largely removed. Regardless depth, no oxidation occurs CNT-coated surfaces, minor detected CO-coated tracks.