The effect of MoS2 concentration on the thickness and tribology performance of electro-codeposited Ni–Cr–MoS2 coatings

A Ni–Cr–MoS2 coating with trivalent Cr was prepared on the surface of the cylinder liner by the composite co-deposition method to modify its tribology performance. The effects of MoS2 concentration on the properties of the coatings and tribological properties of cylinder liners were studied by surface detection methods and reciprocating wear tests. The results show that Ni–Cr–MoS2 coating has a smaller grain size, higher micro-hardness, and greater coating thickness, compared with Ni–Cr coating. Doping by MoS2 effectively reduces the friction coefficient of Ni–Cr coating from 0.142 to 0.107, the wear amount of coating decreases from 7.9 mg to 7.1 mg, and the scuffing time increases from 19 min to 56 min. It is found that the doping of MoS2 provided more nucleation sites and promoted the deposition of ions, which resulted in the refined grain and thicker coating. The formation of solid lubrication film by MoS2 during the wear process and more coating thickness are mainly responsible for the modification of the tribology performance of cylinder liners. This research provides a practical approach to prolong the service life of friction pairs. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.