Two-step method for preparation of Al2O3/IF-WS2 nanoparticles composite coating

Al2O3/IF-WS2 nanocomposite coating was prepared in a two-step process. The Al2O3 nano-fibers are the matrix of the composite and the nanoparticles of WS2 with fullerene-like structure (IF-WS2) are the dispersed phase material, which can improve the mechanical and tribological properties of the nanocomposite. Detailed structural analysis of the nanocomposites was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. These analyses show that the IF nanoparticles are entrapped in the microporous surface-film of the alumina matrix. The structure and mechanical properties of the nanosized Al2O3/IF-WS2 nanocomposite film was analyzed. This analysis demonstrates that the hardness and composition of the film exhibits graded functional material characteristics, suggesting possible tribological applications. (C) 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim