Wear performance of electrohydrodynamically atomized WS2 coatings deposited on biomimetic shark-skin textured surfaces

Abstract This paper aims to provide a method in improving tribological properties of Al 2 O 3 /TiC ceramics. Biomimetic shark skin was produced on Al 2 O 3 /TiC ceramic surfaces by laser surface texturing. Then WS 2 coating was deposited on the biomimetic skin by electrohydrodynamic atomization and its dry friction behaviours and wear mechanisms were investigated. Results revealed that the synergy effect of biomimetic shark skin and WS 2 coatings has an effective influence on the tribological properties of Al 2 O 3 /TiC ceramics. The friction coefficient reduced to ∼0.3 and ∼0.07 after texturing biomimetic shark skin and depositing WS 2 coatings, which reduced by 29% and 84%, respectively, compared with those of only polished Al 2 O 3 /TiC ceramics. The contribution of biomimetic shark skin was primarily decreasing the friction surface, reducing shear stress and trapping wear debris. Moreover, the grooves acted as lubricant reservoir could keep a thicker trio-film and realize continuous lubrication for a longer friction time.