Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNT) coatings show excellent tribological properties but face challenges in dispersion and industrial application. This study investigated TiO2 nanoparticle incorporation effects on CNT coating tribological performance. CNT/TiO2 composite coatings with varying TiO2 content (0.5–2.0 wt.%) were fabricated on SUS 304 substrates via spin coating. Surface morphology, roughness, wettability, and tribological properties were characterized using confocal microscopy, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and reciprocating friction tests. Results showed that low TiO2 concentrations (0.5–0.7 wt.%) achieved optimal performance. The C3-Ti0.5 specimen maintained substrate-level smoothness (Ra = 0.09 μm) while preserving coating integrity. Raman analysis confirmed structural preservation of CNTs (ID/IG ≈ 1.0) across all formulations. Tribologically, C3-Ti0.5 exhibited a friction coefficient of 0.099, approaching pure CNT coating performance (0.090), with a wear rate of 9.00 × 10−7 mm3/N·mm. Higher TiO2 concentrations progressively degraded performance, with C3-Ti2 showing increased friction (0.263) and wear rate (2.87 × 10−6 mm3/N·mm). The 0.5–0.7 wt.% TiO2 range represents optimal composition for applications requiring both smooth surface finish and superior tribological performance, particularly for precision mechanical components where surface quality and friction control are equally critical.
Source: Materials
DOI: 10.3390/ma18225092
Authors: Sung-Jun Lee, Dae-Gyun Nam, Chang-Lae Kim
Institution: Chosun University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Funder: Chosun University
OpenAlex ID: W4416089011