Enhanced tribological performance of epoxy nanocomposites by the hybridization of 2D nano‐WS₂ and graphene oxide nanosheets

Abstract

Incorporation of 2D nanofillers can effectively improve tribological performance of epoxy resin (EP). In this work, two types of 2D nanosheets are incorporated to maximize the tribological performance of EP nanocomposites. On the one hand, nano tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) was coated on graphene oxide (GO) to form 2D WS 2 @GO nanosheets before they were incorporated into EP matrix. On the other hand, as a comparison, WS 2 -GO hybrid was incorporated into EP matrix by directly mixing to obtain epoxy nanocomposites. Tribological performance of EP composites with 0.1-5 wt% 2D WS 2 @GO nanosheets and WS 2 -GO hybrid are then systematically investigated. It is interestingly observed that the addition of WS 2 -GO hybrid at 1 wt% decreases the friction coefficient by 5.4% and the specific wear rate by 67.7% of neat EP; comparatively, adding the 2D WS 2 @GO nanosheets at 1 wt% presents much higher improvements in reducing the friction coefficient by 24.1% and the specific wear rate by about 96.3% of EP. The formation of transfer film is shown to be responsible for enhancing tribological properties of EP by the hybridization of 2D nano-WS 2 and GO nanosheets. Consequently, it is clear that forming 2D WS 2 @GO nanosheets is dramatically superior to simply mixing nano WS 2 and GO with EP in enhancing tribological performance.

Tribological performance of WS2/PAI composite coating reinforced with carbon nanotubes‐carbon fiber at high temperatures

“…[5][6][7] Tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ), known for its lubricity and chemical stability, is widely used as a lubricating additive in industrial production. [8][9][10][11] However, coatings solely filled with WS 2 show poor wear resistance, leading to rapid wear and lubrication failure at high temperatures, failing to meet the wear performance requirements under extreme operating conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to add reinforcing fillers (such as graphene, fibers, inorganic nanoparticles, etc.)…”

“…The composite coatings obtained by adding friction‐reducing fillers like graphene and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into PAI resin exhibit excellent lubricating performance 5–7 . Tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ), known for its lubricity and chemical stability, is widely used as a lubricating additive in industrial production 8–11 . However, coatings solely filled with WS 2 show poor wear resistance, leading to rapid wear and lubrication failure at high temperatures, failing to meet the wear performance requirements under extreme operating conditions.…”

Preparation of GO‐SiO2 three‐dimensional point‐plane nanomaterials and enhancement of epoxy resin mechanical property

“…Commonly used inorganic nanofiller include carbon nanotubes, graphene, fiber, organic clay, peel montmorillonite, silica, alumina, and so on. [3][4][5][6] Because of its one-of-a-kind mechanical qualities, GO is preferable to other nanofillers when it comes to the production of high-performance epoxy nanocomposites. 7,8 Since 2004, two researchers have been able to effectively synthesize graphene through the process of mechanical stripping.…”

“…In order to improve toughness and strength without sacrificing other properties, in addition to organic microspheres, inorganic nanofiller can also play a role in toughening EP. Commonly used inorganic nanofiller include carbon nanotubes, graphene, fiber, organic clay, peel montmorillonite, silica, alumina, and so on 3–6 . Because of its one‐of‐a‐kind mechanical qualities, GO is preferable to other nanofillers when it comes to the production of high‐performance epoxy nanocomposites 7,8 …”