Self‐sensing tribological coating with phosphor particles for wear indicator

Abstract Monitoring of coating health was achieved by embedding sensor materials (MAl 2 O 4 : Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ , M = Sr, Ba) in tribological coating. When the luminescence disappears under ultraviolet (UV) light, it means that the functional coating is worn out and that recoating is needed. In this work, four types of alloy (Cu‐14Al‐X, Cu, Cu‐Al, Al) composite coatings were investigated by vacuum pressure‐assisted sintering method. The composite coatings with different copper–aluminium alloy matrixes were compared by phase composition, microstructure, luminescence properties and tribological performance. The results indicate that the Cu‐14Al‐X matrix composite coating shows not only good resistance to wear but also exhibits strong green light emitting under ultraviolet (UV) light. It is the best wear‐resistant self‐sensitive coating which has potential industrial value. When the coating wore or broke, the emitting intensity will decrease or disappear.