| Abstract Scope |
This study investigates the room-temperature tribological performance of cold-sprayed (CS) Cu-based composite coatings, including pure Cu, Cu–50 vol% Al₂O₃, and Cu–50 vol% Al₂O₃–10 vol% Ag, deposited on stainless steel substrates. Post-processing techniques, including heat treatment (HT), laser shock peening (LSP), and their combination (HT+LSP), were applied to study their influence on coating microstructure, porosity, and wear behavior. Dry sliding tests were conducted using Al₂O₃ balls to analyze the frictional response, with a particular focus on separating the adhesive and plowing components of the coefficient of friction (CoF). Results indicate that Al₂O₃ contributes to increased hardness and plowing resistance, while the addition of Ag enhances self-lubrication, particularly under LSP and HT+LSP conditions. Post-processing significantly reduced porosity and improved interfacial bonding, with the HT+LSP-treated Cu–Al₂O₃–Ag coatings showing the best overall tribological performance. The study provides insight into how material composition and post-processing synergistically affect friction mechanisms and coating integrity in Cu-based cermets. |