Abstract
Hot-dip galvanization is a reliable industrial coating method to tune the surface properties, especially tribology, in an exceptional way. The unique morphological and layered structure of the composite plays a significant role in yielding distinct wear resistance. Lithium titanate (Li2TiO3) has a unique layered structure that can be scientifically used to improve wear resistance in industrial coating systems. In this work, Li2TiO3 has been synthesized using a sol-gel method, and subsequently, a lithium titanate/zirconia (Li2TiO3/ZrO2) composite coating has been prepared by the hot-dip galvanization process. The absence of any other phase in the composite revealed the absence of any possible interaction between the oxides. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the successful incorporation of the composites in the coating. The surface morphology and the surface roughness of the coatings were studied using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Optical Surface Profilometry (OSP). The Li2TiO3/ ZrO2 composite coating showed a hardness value as high as 3112 HV, high friction coefficient and 10 times higher wear resistance compared with pure Li2TiO3. This low-cost coating technique and the introduction of Li2TiO3/ZrO2 composite in the hot-dip galvanization process constitute a novel approach to finding a possible material for industrial applications.