Tribological and Anti-scale Performance of Graphene Reinforced Polymer Coating

Abstract Several coatings have been applied to oilfield equipment to extend their lifespan by protecting against wear and corrosion. These coatings enhance surface hardness and improve frictional and corrosion characteristics. Additionally, some of these coatings help ensure flow by minimizing downhole scale buildup on completion tools during operation. In this respect, polymer-based low-friction coatings are preferred. However, their low hardness and wear resistance affect their full-life functionality against scale minimization. This paper investigates the enhancement of the tribological and anti-scaling properties of two polymer-based coatings (PPS-based and FEP-based) by reinforcing them with 0.5 wt.% to 2 wt.% functionalized graphene oxide and ceramic nano-additives. The modified polymer-based coatings with additives were evaluated for their frictional properties, including wear, and coefficient of friction. Furthermore, these coatings were subjected to calcium carbonate scale deposition performance tests at 1 atm and 70°C under static and dynamic conditions. The paper establishes that the addition of graphene oxide enhances the hardness and wear resistance of polymer coatings without major changes in friction properties. The addition of 0.5% to 1% graphene was found to be optimal for reducing carbonate scaling and did not impact friction.