Investigation on the current-carrying anti-friction and anti-wear performances of ZrN film under the lubrication of conductive graphene grease

In order to enhance the anti-wear ability and conductive performances of frictional materials under current-carrying friction, the approach combining the ZrN film and conductive graphene grease was proposed. The surface and chemical composition of ZrN film were detected, and the conductive performances of the conductive graphene grease was measured. The current-carrying anti-friction and anti-wear performances of the ZrN film under the lubrication of conductive graphene grease were also tested. The results suggested that the ZrN film had a uniform distribution of Zr and N content, and the increasing graphene content also raised the electrical conductivity of the lubricating grease. The tribological tests showed that the friction pair at graphene content of 0.3 wt% had the lowest average friction coefficient and width of wear scar as well as contact resistance, indicating the great enhancement in the anti-friction and anti-wear performances. The analysis showed that the graphene could form a transfer film to significantly improve the current-carrying anti-friction and anti-wear performances.