Wear Reduction via CNT Coatings in Electrical Contacts Subjected to Fretting

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are of great interest to the research community due their outstanding mechanical, transport, and optical properties. These nanoparticles have also shown exceptional lubricating capabilities, which coupled with electrical conductivity show promising results as solid lubricants in contacts. In this study, three different CNT coatings were deposited over copper platelets via electrophoretic deposition subsequently tribo-electrically characterized including contact resistance evolution during fretting wear, wear protection, chemical analysis marks, well influence coating thickness, duration normal load applied fretting, atmospheric humidity. Thicker improved protection while retaining similar behavior uncoated copper, or even improving its resistance. Moreover, compaction porous is crucial for optimal performance at low For longer tests (150,000 500,000 cycles), displaced thus affecting offered. However, stabilize reduce ECR compared samples. Furthermore, thicker can bear higher loads increased lubricant reservoir, carbonaceous tribofilm remaining contacting interface after 5,000 cycles regardless load. Graphical