ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE SYNTHESIZED HBN-CU COATINGS FOR TRIBOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENT OF AA6062 IN SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING

In this study, a hexagonal boron nitride copper (hBN Cu)solid lubricant coating on an Aluminum 6062 substrate is investigated through Electrical discharge coating (EDC) process using green compact electrodes. The systematic analysis of the process parameters showed that the best coating density and uniformity are obtained using a 50:50 mixture of hBN and Cu and compaction pressure of 90T and top current of 9 A. Microstructural and compositional analysis with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was conducted to determine the incorporation of BN, Cu, and Fe2O3 phases into the deposited coating In the end, the results support EDC as a very feasible approach to the design of self-lubricating surfaces with an optimum level of hardness, which allows them to be used as exceptionally productive in the application of reversible motions in industrial settings.