Electrodeposited Co-WS2 composite coatings with resistance to fouling, wear, and corrosion

Developing a coated metal mold to avoid scuff, corrosion, and fouling in rubber vulcanization condition remains challenging. Here, a composite coating is described which combines resistance to fouling, wear, and corrosion by incorporating low surface energy tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) into a robust cobalt (Co) matrix for wear and corrosion resistance together with antifouling. The dispersity of WS 2 in the electroplating solution is improved by combining chemical modification with mechanical milling. The addition of 2 g/L WS 2 to the electroplating bath produced a Co-WS 2 composite coating with effective tribological and anticorrosion performance in 3.5 wt.% standing NaCl solution at 25 ℃ as well as superior antifouling behavior in rubber vulcanization conducted at 160 ℃ and 9.8 Mpa. Graphical Abstract