New Graphene-Based on Nickel-Carbon Compounding Applied to Carbon Brushes of Traction Motors in Subway Vehicles

This study developed a novel graphene process technology based on nickel-carbon compounding. This process can be applied to carbon brushes of traction motors in subway vehicles. We heated nickel metal to 1000 °C, and multilayer graphene film was deposited over a large area. The graphene-based nickel carbon (GBNC) was tested using an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and Raman spectrometer, with a G peak of 1580 cm−1 and a 2D peak of 2750 cm−1. The peak intensities were 2887 cm−1 and 2275 cm−1, respectively. The findings verified that graphene produced using the nickel-carbon compounding process technology has typical graphene characteristics. A GBNC carbon brush was installed on a traction motor during the actual measurement. The proposed GBNC carbon brush cost was 20 % lower than the traditional graphite carbon brush. Moreover, the wear loss was 30 % lower. The findings suggest that the graphene performance is superior to traditional graphite carbon brushes regarding conducting efficiency, thermal conductivity, and lubricating properties. Therefore, the GBCN carbon brush proposed in this study has good performance. The GBNC carbon brush failure rate is lower than the traditional graphite carbon brush. Using the GBNC carbon brush enhances traction motor stability. It also reduces maintenance costs, which improves the efficiency of the electric multiple unit (EMU) propulsion systems to enhance the subway company’s service quality, equipment quality, and corporate image.