Context

• A group of scientists at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI) have developed a process for size-selective deposition of nanocomposite coatings which can reduce friction of these dynamic systems.

What are Nanocomposites?

• Nanocomposite coatings are formed by mixing two or more dissimilar materials at nanoscale to improve the physical, chemical and physicochemical properties of the new materials.
• The scientists have found that nickel tungsten-based coatings with infusion of particular sized Silicon Carbide (SiC) submicron particles using a pulsed electroplating can provide an excellent combination of wear and corrosion resistance.

Applications

• Many aerospace, defence, automobile, space devices need to reduce friction, wear, and tear to enhance the life of components.
• Lubricating these dynamic systems add to the cost, complexity, and weight of these systems.
• The coating could help in reducing the friction of such devices.

Source:PIB