The Synthesis and Tribological Properties of Carbonized Polydopamine/Ag Composite Films

In this paper, polydopamine/silver (PDA/Ag) nanoparticles were easily synthesized. Then, the PDA/Ag nanoparticles were sprayed on copper substrate and heat-treated under argon to get carbonized PDA/Ag (CPDA/Ag) composite films. Transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to investigate the conversion of PDA and AgNO3 into CPDA and Ag, respectively. Results showed that the PDA/Ag composite films heat-treated at 500 °C had much better friction reduction and anti-wear properties than other samples. The tribofilms containing C, N, O, Ag and Cu played an important role on reducing friction and increasing wear resistance.