Wettability and Performance of Cu-MoS2/SiC Coating Prepared by Electro-Discharge Coating Process

In the present study, hard and solid lubricant coating of Cu-MoS2/SiC powder was deposited by electro-discharge coating. The surface morphologies of Cu-MoS2/SiC coatings were observed using a scanning electron microscope. The effect of the SiC powder concentration on the wettability, tribological behavior and mechanical properties were investigated. Morphology of Cu-MoS2/SiC coating contains negligible pores and cracks at high content of SiC in coating. The microhardness Cu-MoS2/SiC coatings increases with increasing content of the SiC powder in the coatings. Further, wear test results show that Cu-MoS2/SiC composite coating has better wear resistance than the parent material. Moreover, the contact angle is increased to 119.4°–130.9° (hydrophobic state) which was 78.7° (hydrophilic state) for uncoated steel. It is aimed that the improvement in microhardness and wear resistance of hydrophobic coating by using SiC powder in EDC process will facilitate the extensive application of hydrophobic surfaces.