Effect of solid lubricant particles on room and elevated temperature tribological properties of Ni–SiC composite coating

In this article, the Ni–SiC, Ni–SiC–MoS2 and Ni–SiC–graphite composite coatings were prepared from a sulfamate bath. Both mechanical and ultrasonic stirrers were used simultaneously during the electrodeposition process. Tribological properties of coatings were evaluated from 25°C to 300°C. Based on the results, the friction coefficient of Ni–SiC composite coating at room temperature is very stable during the wear, but this stability decreases with increasing the test temperature. The incorporation of MoS2 and graphite lubricant particles in the coating reduced the strong adhesive wear and the un-stability of friction coefficient at high temperatures. However, about 15 and 32% reductions were observed in high temperature friction coefficient values of coatings containing MoS2 and Gr particle coatings, respectively. However, the Ni–SiC–Gr composite coating showed the best friction and wear behavior at all temperatures. •The coefficient of friction of Ni–SiC coating increased up to 80% at 200°C.•The COF stability at high temperatures was increased by adding MoS2 and Gr.•The COF values of Ni–SiC–MoS2 coating were reduced about 15% at 200°C.•The coating containing Gr particles showed the best behavior at all temperatures.