Characterization of the Self-Dry-Lubrication and Self-Healing Effects on Nano- and Atomic Scale in Zn/MoS2/Graphite/Zn Coatings Deposited by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Spraying on Ultra-Light Construction Polymers

Abstract

In order to increase the resistance of the polyamide 11 (PA 11) surface to sliding wear, the economical low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma deposition (APP D) technique was used to produce innovative thick Zn/MoS2/graphite/Zn coatings with self-dry-lubrication and self-healing functions [1]. The specific problem was concern on structure characterization in nano- and atomic scale of these effects. The self-dry-lubrication was possible thanks to the possible breaking of weak van der Waals’ bonds both in graphite and MoS2 structures. The effect was described as a result of the shifting of atomic layers in both MoS2 and graphite layers within the same phase and at their boundaries while the self-healing effect occurred in the form of closing micro-cracks in the structure of the coatings and rebuilding van der Waals’ atomic bonds.