Synthesizing and optimizing of AgCuS-CNTs composite coatings on AgCu10 substrate prepared by in-situ sulfide method

In order to improve the current-carrying properties of AgCu10 alloy, AgCuS-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite coatings were synthesized on AgCu10 substrates using an in-situ sulfide method. During the process, an entangled CNTs layer was formed firstly on the AgCu10 substrate by dipping the substrate into a CNTs dispersant and dried at room temperature, then an AgCuS-CNTs coating was synthesized in-situ by immersing the substrate with the CNTs layer in a 0.1 M Na₂S solution. The current-carrying friction performance of the composite coating was significantly improved. Compared with the AgCu10 substrate, the friction coefficient was decreased from ∼0.35 to ∼0.15, and the wear rate was reduced by 2 orders of magnitude. Furthermore, the electrical resistivity of the coatings was as low as 2.44 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·cm, which was almost the same as the AgCu10 substrate.