Mechanical and tribological properties of nanocomposites incorporated with two-dimensional materials

Abstract

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.

2D boron nitride nanosheets for polymer composite materials

“…Although 2D materials are effective in reinforcing the polymer materials owing to their ultra-high surface area, strong mechanical strength, and mature technology, inclusion of 2D materials into polymers yield distinct properties making them suitable for specific applications 114 . For example, the addition of electrically conductive graphene increases the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of the corresponding polymer composites.…”

Advances in Studies of Boron Nitride Nanosheets and Nanocomposites for Thermal Transport and Related Applications

“…The focus here is on the former, [7,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]33,95,102,112,133,[135][136][137][138] and those who are interested in the latter are referred to other reviews. [19,23,26,[267][268][269][270] As nanoscale fillers in polymeric nanocomposites, BNNs are unique for their high thermal conductivity but no electrical conductivity, particularly suitable for applications that require electrical insulation, thus beyond the reach of their carbon counterparts graphene nanosheets. The high oxidation resistance of BN is also critical to some of the applications, obviously unmatched by graphene nanosheets as well.…”

Effects of groove-textured surfaces filled with Sn-Ag-Cu and MXene-Ti3C2 composite lubricants on tribological properties of CSS-42L bearing steel

“…With low shear strength, high bearing capacity, and large surface area ratio characteristics, two dimensional (2D) MXene exerts unique enhancement effects on nano-micro scale friction systems, which have been widely investigated in the tribology field [4][5][6][7][8][9]. The structural features and tribological properties of MXene/UHMWPE nanocomposites were studied by Zhang et al [10].…”