Fabrication and performance evaluation of self-lubricating Cu-Sn-MoS2 composite coatings via friction-assisted jet electrodeposition

Bronze, as a solid self-lubricating material, is widely used in various frictional applications. However, under increasingly common high-frequency and high-load conditions, particularly in the absence of lubricants, bronze layers are prone to rapid wear. Incorporating MoS 2 particles to fabricate solid self-lubricating composite coatings is considered a promising approach to improve overall performance in harsh environments. In this study, a friction-assisted jet electrodeposition process is employed to fabricate Cu-Sn-MoS 2 composite coatings. This technique enhances particle embedding and surface leveling, producing uniform and dense coatings with significantly improved tribological performance. The methodological framework of this study involves the fabrication of Cu-Sn-MoS 2 composite coatings via friction-assisted jet electrodeposition, followed by systematic characterization of their surface morphology, microhardness, adhesion, and tribological behavior. The results show that a MoS 2 content of 5 g/L provides a uniform and compact surface with fine grains, sufficient microhardness and adhesion strength, and a continuous lubricating film formed during wear. The wear mechanism was revealed to explain why the Cu-Sn-MoS 2 coating exhibited a strong performance in mechanical properties and wear resistance. This content achieves the lowest friction coefficient and the best wear resistance among all tested compositions.