Cu/graphene composite coatings produced by electrochemical reduction method under semi-technical line conditions on electrical equipment components

This paper presents a technological sequence of the fabrication process and test results of composite coatings with a nanocrystalline copper matrix including a dispersion phase in the form of graphene flakes deposited by electrochemical reduction on electrical equipment components.The conducted research included the development of solution compositions and process parameters for the deposition of Cu/graphene composite coatings, in addition to adaptation of the coating deposition process to a larger scale on a pilot electroplating line.The innovative aspect presented in the work (a key challenge) was the transfer of the positive results of the work from the laboratory scale to the semi-technical scale.The described work involved running the process in a plating drum and on hangers on a pilot plating line.The surface morphology, and roughness and the structure of the produced composite coatings were characterized.The thickness and bonding of the produced coatings to the substrate material were evaluated.Hardness tests of the produced coatings were carried out.The properties of the Cu/graphene composite coatings produced on the hangers and in the electroplating drum on the pilot electroplating line were compared.The key research challenge was the development of a technology for the fabrication of composite coatings on electrical equipment components, involving the application of Cu/graphene composite coatings by electroplating techniques at on a laboratory scale and then transferring the work to the pilot electroplating line.