Multi-Walled Carbon-Nanotube-Reinforced PMMA Nanocomposites: An Experimental Study of Their Friction and Wear Properties

Abstract

This manuscript presents an experimental investigation of the friction and wear properties of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites reinforced with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of MWCNTs as a reinforcement material for enhancing the tribological performance of PMMA. Three types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, i.e., pristine, hydroxyl functionalized, and carboxyl functionalized, were utilized in this study. The nanocomposite samples were prepared by dispersing varying concentrations of MWCNTs (0.1 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, and 1 wt.%) within the PMMA matrix via a 3D mixing approach, followed by injection molding/compression molding. The resulting nanocomposite films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the dispersion of MWCNTs within the PMMA matrix. The friction and wear tests were conducted using a pin-on-disk tribometer under dry sliding conditions. The effects of functionalization and MWCNT content on the tribological behaviors of the nanocomposites were analyzed. The nanocomposites exhibited lower friction coefficients and reduced wear rates compared to pure PMMA. The lowest friction coefficient and wear rate were achieved at an optimum MWCNT loading of 0.5 wt.%. It was further revealed that the amount of MWCNT reinforcement, average load, and track diameter significantly affect the coefficient of friction (COF) and rate of wear. The COF and wear rate are best at a filler loading of 0.5 wt.%, a 20 Kg load, and 90 mm. The improved tribological performance of the MWCNT-reinforced PMMA nanocomposites can be attributed to the effective transfer of load between the MWCNTs and the PMMA matrix, as well as the reinforcement effect of the MWCNTs. The MWCNTs acted as reinforcing agents, enhancing the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the nanocomposites.

Enhancing the Tribological Characteristics of Epoxy Composites by the Use of Three-Dimensional Carbon Fibers and Cobalt Oxide Nanowires

“…Co., Ltd. of Taian Guangyuan International Trade supplied the urea. pure 5mm thick CF was received foam from SGL Carbon Se Co., Ltd., with a density of 1.79 g/cm 3 and individual felt fiber diameters measuring 23 μm, as shown in Fig. 2.…”

“…where L is the abrading distance in meters, ΔV is the volumetric loss in mm 3 and Fn is the applied load in newton's.…”

“…Tribological applications were severely limited by cured epoxy's low wear resistance. Fillers including silica, alumina, clay, and graphene oxide were utilized to solve this problem [1], graphene nano-platelets [2] and multi-wall carbon nanotube [3], short carbon fibers (CF) [4], Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) [5], fly ash [6], and crumb rubber are added to the epoxy matrix and exhibit improved tribological behavior [7][8][9]. Additionally, the influence of environmental pollutant crumb rubber on the dry sliding wear behavior of epoxy composites has also been investigated [9,10].…”