Wear and friction analysis of polyester coatings with solid lubricant

The friction and wear behaviors of polyester coatings incorporating graphite particles and deposited on an aluminum substrate by a spraying technique were analyzed in this study. Four volume ratios of the graphite particles in the polyester matrix were considered in the range of 0% to 35%. The coatings tribological behaviors were analyzed using high chromium steel ball antagonist. The friction experiments were conducted using a reciprocating tribometer. For each of the considered coating, evolutions of the friction coefficient, the weight losses and the wear scar morphology with the number of sliding cycles were analyzed. The microstructure of polyester coatings and the wear scar micrographs were characterized using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Severe wear mechanism is activated for the polyester coating without graphite particles. Incorporating graphite particles in the polyester coating enhances the development of a specific third body which reduces friction and wear. The best friction and wear properties are obtained for highest ratio were the third body was formed on the entire sliding stripe.