In recent years, attempts to improve the mechanical properties of composites have increased remarkably owing to the inadequate utilization of matrices in demanding technological systems where efficiency, durability, and environmental compatibility are the key requirements. The search for novel materials that can potentially have enhanced mechanical properties continues. Recent studies have demonstrated that two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials can act as excellent reinforcements because they possess high modulus of elasticity, high strength, and ultralow friction. By incorporating 2D nanomaterials in a composite, 2D nanomaterial-based composites (2DNBCs) have been developed. In view of this, a critical review of recent mechanical and tribological studies based on 2DNBCs has been undertaken. Matrices such as polymers, ceramics, and metals, as well as most of the representative 2D nanomaterial reinforcements such as graphene, boron nitride (BN), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) have been included in this review. Their preparation strategies, intrinsic mechanical properties, friction and lubrication performances, strengthening mechanisms, influencing factors, and potential applications have been comprehensively discussed. A brief summary and prospects are given in the final part, which would be useful in designing and fabricating advanced 2D nanocomposites in the future.
In this study, expanded graphite and natural graphite were introduced into resin-based friction materials, and the tribological behavior of the composites was investigated. The tribo-performance of the two friction composites was evaluated using a constant speed friction tester. The results showed that the expanded graphite composite (EGC) displayed better lubricity in both the fading and the recovery processes. The wear rate of the EGC decreased by 22.43% more than that of the natural graphite composite (NGC). In the fading process, and the EGC enhanced the stability of the coefficient of friction. The recovery maintenance rate of the NGC was 4.66% higher than that of the EGC. It can be concluded that expanded graphite plays an important role in the formation of a stable contact plateau and can effectively reduce the wear.
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