Electrical conductivity, microstructure and wear properties of Cu-Mo coatings

Abstract

In this study, Cu–Mo composite coatings were produced on copper substrate byplasma spray technique. Electrical conductivity, microstructure and wearproperties of the composite coatings were investigated. Microstructure andphase composition of the coatings were examined by using optical microscopy(OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The microhardness experiments were alsoperformed by using a microhardness machine. The electrical conductivityproperties of the coatings were evaluated with eddy current instruments. Weartests were performed by pin-on-disc method. Although the electricalconductivities of the coatings are very small compared to the substrate, it hasbeen determined that the coatings exhibit very good tribological property andhigh hardness in comparison to the substrate.