Development and Tribological Characterization of Plasma-Sprayed Nano YSZ/rGO Composite Coatings at Varying Reinforcement Ratios

Abstract

Protective coatings, comprising diverse materials, offer the most dependable means to ensure sustained, seamless operation and extended longevity of coated components. In this study, Nano YSZ coatings reinforced with varying amounts of rGO (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt.%) were deposited on stainless steel substrates using atmospheric plasma spraying (APS), and their tribological performance was systematically evaluated. SEM-EDS and Raman spectroscopy confirmed microstructure retention peak for both rGO and Nano YSZ in deposition sections. The results indicated that adding rGO significantly improves wear and friction resistance. Moreover, the primary wear mechanism shifted from severe delamination to plastic deformation and micro-cracking. This change in wear behavior is attributed to decreased tetragonal-monoclinic phase shift observed in ceramics with rGO addition after sliding wear, thereby bolstering their wear resistance.