Tribological properties of bismaleimide composites with surface‐modified SiO2 nanoparticles

In this article, the surface of SiO₂ nanoparticles was modified by silane coupling agent N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐γ‐aminopropylmethyl dimethoxy silane. The bismaleimide nanocomposites with surface‐modified SiO₂ nanoparticles or unmodified SiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by the same casting method. The tribological performance of the nanocomposites was studied on an M‐200 friction and wear tester. The results indicated that the addition of SiO₂ nanoparticles could decrease the frictional coefficient and the wear rate of the composites. The nanocomposites with surface‐modified SiO₂ nanoparticles showed better wear resistance and lower frictional coefficient than that with the unmodified nanoparticles SiO₂. The specific wear rate and the steady frictional coefficient of the composite with 1.0 wt % surface‐modified SiO₂ nanoparticles are only 1.8 × 10^?6 mm³/N m and 0.21, respectively. The dispersion of surface‐modified SiO₂ nanoparticles in resin matrix was observed with transmission electron microscope, and the worn surfaces of pure resin matrix and the nanocomposites were observed with scanning electron microscope. The different tribological behavior of the resin matrix and the filled composites should be dependent on their different mechanical properties and wear mechanism. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Epoxy composite reinforced with three‐dimensional polyimide fiber felt: Fabrication and tribological properties investigation

Novel epoxy (EP) composite reinforced with three‐dimensional (3D) polyimide (PI) fiber felt (PI_3D/EP) is first fabricated by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. The tribological behaviors of pure EP and PI_3D/EP composite under dry sliding and water lubricated condition are comparatively studied. Results indicate that both wear rates and friction coefficients of PI_3D/EP composite are lower than those of pure EP. The wear resistance of PI_3D/EP composite is 9.8 times higher than that of pure EP under dry sliding of 1.5 MPa and 0.76 m s^?1 while a 27‐fold increase is achieved under water lubricated condition. The wear mechanisms of PI_3D/EP composite are investigated based on tribological testing results and scanning electron microscopy observations. The PI fiber felt provides strong 3D structure supports to sustain most of the loads on the composite, improving the mechanical and tribological properties significantly. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44160.     

Dynamic mechanical properties of three‐component composites (acrylic polymer/epoxy/SiO2) in the glass‐transition region

In previous studies, we reported the linear and nonlinear rheological properties of three‐component composites consisting of acrylic polymer (AP), epoxy resin (EP), and various SiO₂ contents (AP/EP/SiO₂) in the molten state. In this study, the dynamic mechanical properties of AP/EP/SiO₂ composites with different particle sizes (0.5 and 8 μm) were investigated in the glass‐transition region. The EP consisted of three kinds of EP components. The α relaxation due to the glass transition shifted to a higher temperature with an increase in the volume fraction (?) for the AP/EP/SiO₂ composites having a particle size of 0.5 μm, but the α relaxation scarcely shifted for the composite having a particle size of 8 μm as a general result. This result suggested that the SiO₂ nanoparticles that were 0.5 μm in size adsorbed a lot of the low‐glass‐transition‐temperature (T_g) component because of their large surface area. The AP/SiO₂ composites did not exhibit a shift in T_g; this indicated that the composite did not adsorb any component. The modulus in the glassy state (E′_g) exhibited a very weak &phis; dependence for the AP/EP/SiO₂ composites having particle sizes of 0.5 and 8 μm, although E′_g of the AP/SiO₂ composites increased with &phis;. The AP/EP/SiO₂ composites exhibited a peculiar dynamic mechanical behavior, although the AP/SiO₂ composites showed the behavior of general two‐component composites. Scanning electron microscopic observations indicated that some components in the EP were adsorbed on the surface of the SiO₂ particles. We concluded that the peculiar behavior of the AP/EP/SiO₂ composites was due to the selective adsorption of the EP component. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40409.     

The influence of plasma treatment on the tribological properties of hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric/phenolic composites

In this study, the effects of air‐plasma and N₂‐plasma treatment on the hybrid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/cotton fabric and a phenolic resin were investigated in detail. The tribological properties of the untreated and plasma‐treated hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric/phenolic composites were investigated. The results indicated that air‐plasma‐treated hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric/phenolic composites exhibited better antiwear and friction reduction properties. The combination of scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis illustrated that hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric/phenolic composites treated with air‐plasma possessed more integrated structure and more functional groups, which plausibly contributed to the better tribological properties of the hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric/phenolic composites treated with air‐plasma. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Friction and wear properties of basalt fiber reinforced/solid lubricants filled polyimide composites under different sliding conditions

Short basalt fibers (BFs)‐reinforced polyimide (PI) composites filled with MoS₂ and graphite were fabricated by means of hot‐press molding technique. The tribological properties of the resulting composites sliding against GCr15 steel ring were investigated on a model ring‐on‐block test rig. The wear mechanisms were also comparatively discussed, based on scanning electron microscopic examination of the worn surface of the PI composites and the transfer film formed on the counterpart. Experimental results revealed that MoS₂ and graphite as fillers significantly improved the wear resistance of the BFs‐reinforced polyimide (BFs/PI) composites. For the best combination of friction coefficient and wear rate, the optimal volume content of MoS₂ and graphite in the composites appears to be 40 and 35%, respectively. It was also found that the tribological properties of the filled BFs/PI composites were closely related with the sliding conditions such as sliding speed and applied load. Research results show that the BF/PI composites exhibited better tribological properties under higher PV product. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Friction and Wear of MoO3/Graphene Oxide Modified Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites

In order to further improve the tribological performance of glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GF/EP) composites, highly flexible, binder‐free, molybdenum trioxide MoO₃ nanobelt/graphene oxide (GO) film (f‐MoO₃‐GO) is prepared by a hydrothermal method. Herein, f‐MoO₃‐GO is adopted to modify GF/EP composites prepared through the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding method. The neat GF/EP and MoO₃‐GO modified GF/EP composites are also fabricated for comparison. The tribological performance is performed using a ball‐on‐disc (“steel‐on‐polymer”) configuration under a dry sliding condition. The coefficient of friction is reduced from 0.61 for neat GF/EP composites down to 0.23 for f‐MoO₃‐GO modified GF/EP (f‐MoO₃‐GO/GF/EP) composites and the anti‐wear performance is improved by more than four times. The worn surface morphological observation for the composite samples is used to explain the possible wear micro‐mechanisms. The wear reducing effect of the f‐MoO₃‐GO/GF/EP composites can be assigned to the increased self‐lubricating effect of f‐MoO₃‐GO. With the combined advantageous properties of the used individual components, these unique composites can be used for many other applications.     

Friction and wear behavior of basalt‐fabric‐reinforced/solid‐lubricant‐filled phenolic composites

To improve the tribological properties of basalt‐fabric‐reinforced phenolic composites, solid lubricants of MoS₂ and graphite were incorporated, and the tribological properties of the resulting basalt‐fabric composites were investigated on a model ring‐on‐block test rig under dry sliding conditions. The effects of the filler content, load, and sliding time on the tribological behavior of the basalt‐fabric composites were systematically examined. The morphologies of the worn surfaces and transfer films formed on the counterpart steel rings were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results reveal that the incorporation of MoS₂ significantly decreased the friction coefficient, whereas the inclusion of graphite improved the wear resistance remarkably. The results also indicate that the filled basalt‐fabric composites seemed to be more suitable for friction materials serving under higher loads. The transfer films formed on the counterpart surfaces during the friction process made contributions to the reduction of the friction coefficient and wear rate of the basalt‐fabric composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Preparation and characterization of POSS‐SiO2/cyanate ester composites with high performance

In this article, a hybrid filler based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and silica, coded as POSS‐SiO₂, has been successfully synthesized. The structure of POSS‐SiO₂ was studied by Fourier‐transform infrared spectra, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Then the POSS‐SiO₂ was compounded with dicyclopentadiene bisphenol dicyanate ester (DCPDCE) resin to prepare composites. The effects of POSS‐SiO₂ on the curing reaction, mechanical, thermal, dielectric and tribological properties of DCPDCE resin were investigated systematically. Results of differential scanning calorimetry show that the addition of POSS‐SiO₂ can facilitate the curing reaction of DCPDCE and decrease the curing temperature of DCPDCE. Compared with pure DCPDCE resin, the impact and flexural strengths of the composites materials are improved markedly with up to 72 and 52% increasing magnitude, respectively. Meanwhile, the POSS‐SiO₂/DCPDCE systems exhibit lower dielectric constant and loss than pure DCPDCE resin over the testing frequency from 10 to 60 MHz. In addition, the thermal stability and tribological properties of POSS‐SiO₂/DCPDCE composites are also superior to that of pure DCPDCE resin. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1840–1848, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

An investigation on the graphitic carbon nitride reinforced polyimide composite and evaluation of its tribological properties

This article presented a novel application for the graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C₃N₄), which was used as nanofillers to improve the tribological properties of polyimide (PI). The composite based on PI and g‐C₃N₄ was prepared by mechanical mixing process and hot compression molding process. The characterizations of g‐C₃N₄ and PI/g‐C₃N₄ composites were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Friction and wear tests were carried out using UMT‐2 reciprocating tribo‐tester against stainless steel ball under dry friction. The results showed that the amount of g‐C₃N₄ was decisive to the tribological properties of PI/g‐C₃N₄ composites. The optimal tribological properties occurred when the amount of g‐C₃N₄ was 10 wt %, which showed the smallest friction coefficient and the lowest wear rate. Furthermore, this work provided an example of application for the g‐C₃N₄ as the excellent nanofiller in polymer matrix composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45403.     

A study on the tribological behavior of hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites filled with nano‐SiC and/or submicron‐WS2 fillers

The tribological behaviors of hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites filled with nano‐SiC and/or submicron‐WS₂ fillers were studied. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer were used for analysis of the worn surface, transfer film, and debris of the PTFE/Kevlar fabric composites. In addition, the wear volume loss of the composite was measured by means of a laser microscopic 3D and profile measurement apparatus. The results indicate that although both single fillers and hybrid fillers can reduce the wear rate of composites, but hybrid fillers filled composites could achieve the desired comprehensive tribological properties in dry sliding. The improved tribological performance of filled composites can be attributed to two aspects: the formation of a thin and tenacious transfer film on the counter‐surface, and the restrain the formation of larger debris. Tiny wear debris was easily trapped in the gap of a worn surface and can repair the damaged surface. In addition, the trapped debris could be considered as a secondary source of lubricant. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2218–2226, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation of silica-decorated graphene oxide nanohybrid system as a highly efficient reinforcement for woven jute fabric reinforced epoxy composites

In the current work, silica-decorated graphene oxide (SiO₂@GONPs) nanohybrids were used to reinforce the jute fiber/epoxy (JF/EP) composite. Tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) was utilized to prepare the SiO₂@GONPs using a facial route. The results of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy, and elemental X-ray mapping confirmed the successful synthesis of SiO₂@GONPs nanohybrids. Herein, the effects of SiO₂@GONPs loading (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%) on the mechanical behavior of the JF/EP composite were investigated with emphasis on the flexural and high-velocity impact properties. The results revealed that reinforcement of matrix with 0.3 wt% SiO₂@GONPs enhanced the flexural strength of the JF/EP composite by about 40%. The energy absorption capability and impact limit velocity of the 0.3 wt% SiO₂@GONPs-filled JF/EP composite were 61 and 28%, respectively, higher than those of the neat specimen. Compared to the untreated-GONPs, the SiO₂@GONPs nanohybrid demonstrated an evident superiority in improving the mechanical properties of the JF/EP composite at the same loading. Evaluation of the fracture surfaces of the multiscale composites revealed that the improved fiber-matrix interfacial bonding was the basic mechanism of fracture in these specimens.     

Thermotropic liquid crystal polymer fabric reinforced polyimide composite materials

An aromatic copolyeste thermotropic liquid crystal polymer (LCP) fabric was used to reinforce a polyimide (PI) matrix to produce composites. The LCP/PI composite was made to eliminate directional difference in the mechanical properties of LCP by controlling the individual reinforcement fabric alignment in different directions without losing any mechanical properties. As a result, a transversely isotropic LCP composite material could be obtained from the highly anisotropic LCP fiber. Interfacial adhesion between the LCP and polyimide was greatly improved by a NH₃/H₂ plasma treatment on the LCP fabric, thereby the significantly improving mechanical properties of the composite. Moreover, inter‐laminar shear strength of the LCP/PI composite was further increased after heat treatment at 220°C for 1 hour. The LCP/polyimide composite retains stable mechanical properties up to 250°C.     

Tribological properties of SiO2 nanoparticle filled–phthalazine ether sulfone/phthalazine ether ketone (50/50 mol %) copolymer composites

SiO₂ nanoparticle filled–poly(phthalazine ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK) composites with various filler volume fractions were made by heating compression molding. The tribological behavior of the PPESK composites was investigated using a block‐on‐ring test rig by sliding PPESK‐based composite blocks against a mild carbon steel ring. The morphologies of the worn composite surfaces, wear debris, and the transferred films formed on the counterpart steel surface were examined with a scanning electron microscope, whereas the chemical state of the Fe element in the transfer film was analyzed with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, IR spectra were taken to characterize the structure of wear debris and PPESK composites. It was found that SiO₂ nanoparticle filled–PPESK composites exhibit good wear resistance and friction‐reduction behavior. The friction and wear behavior of the composites was improved at a volume fraction between 4.2 and 14.5 vol % of the filler SiO₂. The results based on combined SEM, XPS, and IR techniques indicate that SiO₂ nanoparticle filled–PPESK composite is characterized by slight scuffing in dry sliding against steel and polishing action between composite surface and that of the countpart ring, whereas unfilled PPESK is characterized by severe plastic deformation and adhesion wear. In the former case a thin, but not complete, transfer film was formed on the surface of the counterpart steel, whereas in the latter case, a thick and lumpy transfer film was formed on the counterpart steel surface. This accounts for the different friction and wear behavior of unfilled PPESK and SiO₂ nanoparticle filled–PPESK composites. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2136–2144, 2002     

Development of flame retardancy properties of new halogen‐free phosphorous doped SiO2 thin films on fabrics

In this study, flame retardancy properties of fabrics treated with phosphorous (P) doped and undoped SiO₂ thin films were developed by sol–gel technique. As to this aim, P‐doped and undoped SiO₂ film were coated on cotton fabric from the solutions prepared from P, Si‐based precursors, solvent, and chelating agent at low temperature in air using sol–gel technique. To determine solution characteristics, which affect thin film structure, turbidity, pH values, and rheological properties of the prepared solutions were measured using a turbidimeter, a pH meter, and a rheometer machines before coating process. The thermal, structural, and microstructural characterization of the coating were done using differential thermal analysis/thermograviometry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, tensile strength, wash fastness, flame retandancy, and lightness properties of the coated fabrics were determined. To compensate the slight loss of tensile strength of samples, which occurred at the treated fabrics with P‐doped Si‐based solutions, the cotton fabrics were coated with polyurethane films during second step. In conclusion, the flame retardant cotton fabric with durability of washing as halogen‐free without requiring after treatment with formaldehyde was fabricated using sol–gel processing for the first time. Moreover the cotton fabrics, which were treated with P‐doped Si‐based solutions and then coated with polyurethane at second step, still has got nonflammable property. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Preparation and properties of T300 carbon fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic polyimide composites

In this study, a series of T300 carbon fiber‐reinforced polyimide (CFRPI) composites were prepared by laminating premolding polyimide (PI) films with unidirectional carbon fiber (CF) layers. On the basis of PI systems design, the effect of CF volume fraction, processing conditions, and PI molecular structure on the properties of CFRPI composites was studied in detail. In addition, two kinds of nano‐particles, including carbon nano‐tube (CNT) and SiO₂ were filled into the premolding PI films with different concentrations. And the effect of nano‐particles on the properties of CFRPI composites was also investigated. The surface characteristic of T300 CF was measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The properties of premolding PI film and CFRPI composites were measured by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMTA), SANS testing machine, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and so forth. These experimental results showed that the properties of CFRPI composites were mainly affected by the premolding PI film and molding condition. The change of CF volume fraction from 55% to 65% took little effect on the mechanical properties of CFRPI composites. In addition, the incorporation of nano‐particle SiO₂ could further improve the properties of CFRPI composites, but CNT hardly improved the properties of CFRPI composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 646–654, 2006     

Improving interfacial compatibility by a micro–nano synergetic structure for high-performance epoxy composites

A multiscale functional filler of micro–nano synergetic structure was successfully prepared via in-situ growth of silica (SiO₂) on biomimetic dopamine modified carbon fiber (CF) surface. The CF-SiO₂ hybrid as a reinforcement possessed lubricating and reinforcing effect to enhance tribological performance, thermal stability and thermomechanical property of epoxy (EP) composites. The micro–nano synergetic structure was of great importance for ameliorating the compatibility and interfacial adhesion between CF and EP matrix, which was conductive to transferring stress from matrix to fiber and alleviating stress concentration. It was concluded that the friction coefficient and wear rate of EP/CF-SiO₂ were 0.382 and 1.12 × 10⁻⁵ mm³/N·m, that is, a decline of 58% and 2.5 times, respectively, compared to EP/CF. The CF-SiO₂ hybrid exhibited excellent friction-reducing and anti-wear performance.     

The tribological properties of benzoxazine‐bismaleimides composites with functionalized nano‐SiO2

To improve the tribological properties of benzoxazine (BOZ) resin, bismaleimides (BMI) resin is chosen as organic phase, hyperbranched polysilane functionalized SiO₂ nanoparticles (HBPSi‐SiO₂) are chosen as inorganic modifiers to prepare HBPSi‐SiO₂/BOZ‐BMI composites using high shear and ultrasonic processes. The effect of content of HBPSi‐SiO₂ on the mechanical properties and tribological properties of the composites are investigated. The results show that suitable addition of HBPSi‐SiO₂ can largely enhance the impact strength, reduce the friction coefficient, and wear rate of BOZ‐BMI resin. Scanning electron microscopy is employed to research the wearing mechanism of materials. The severe wear of the BOZ pure resin is owing to fatigue wear, and the moderate wear of BOZ‐BMI resin is attributed to adhesive wear. While, the mild wear of the composites with HBPSi‐SiO₂ is due to abrasive wear. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

High performance polyamide 6 composites prepared by reactive extrusion

To improve the properties of polyamide 6 (PA6) composites, a series of modified PA6 composites was prepared by reaction extrusion. An amorphous PA6 was first obtained by the complexing reaction of Li⁺ in lithium chloride with amino groups, and then epoxy resins, nano‐SiO₂ as well as POE‐g‐MAH were in turn added into the PA6/LiCl system. The effect of different additives on the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of PA6 composites was well‐studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical properties tests. The results demonstrated that PA6 was amorphous at 6 phr lithium chloride and a network structure was formed in PA6 matrix in the presence of epoxy resins, thus the mechanical properties of composites greatly were enhanced. However too many nano‐SiO₂ particles might impair the tensile strength of PA6 composites. Additionally, a PA6 composite with excellent properties was obtained in the presence of POE‐g‐MAH due to the crystal form change in PA6 matrix and the strong interaction between PA6 and POE‐g‐MAH. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:985–992, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of solid lubricant reinforcement on wear behavior of Kevlar fabric composites

The friction and wear behavior of Kevlar fabric composites reinforced by PTFE or graphite powders was investigated using a Xuanwu‐III friction and wear tester at dry sliding condition, with the unfilled Kevlar fabric composite as a reference. The worn surfaces were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that PTFE or graphite as fillers could significantly improve the tribological behavior of the Kevlar fabric composites, and the Kevlar fabric composites filled with 20% PTFE exhibited the best antiwear and antifriction ability among all evaluated cases. The transfer films established with two lubricants in sliding wear of composites against metallic counterparts made contributions to reducing friction coefficient and wear rate of Kevlar fabric composites. In particular, FeF₂ generated in the sliding of Kevlar fabric composites filled with PTFE against counterpart pin improved the bonding strength between the transfer film and counterpart surface, which accounted for the lowest friction coefficient and wear rate of the Kevlar fabric composites filled with PTFE measured in the testing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008.     

Effect of Silicone Nano,Nano/Micro and Nano/Macro‐Emulsion Softeners on Color Yield and Physical Characteristics of Dyed Cotton Fabric

The study of silicone nano‐emulsions and softeners to alter physical properties of undyed cotton fabric has recently gained a substantial interest. However, systematic investigation of silicon nano‐emulsion softeners on dyed cotton fabric has not so far been conducted. This paper deals with the application of silicone nano‐, micro‐, and macro‐emulsion softeners, and combinations of nano/micro and nano/macro, on dyed cotton fabric. We report the effect of silicon nano/micro‐ and nano/macro‐emulsion softeners on color yield and physical characteristics of dyed cotton fabric. All bleached fabrics were dyed with CI Reactive Black 5 and then treated with known concentrations of silicone softeners by the pad‐dry method. The silicone nano‐emulsion was combined with micro‐ and macro‐emulsion softeners using blending ratios of nano/micro (1:1) and nano/macro (1:1). Treated fabrics were compared in terms of physical properties such as fabric handling, wrinkle recovery angle, bending length, abrasion resistance and tensile strength. The color changes were evaluated by color yield (K/S) values and total color difference (ΔE_cmc). The results revealed that the silicon nano‐emulsion had better physical properties than micro‐, macro‐ and combination nano/micro‐ and nano/macro‐emulsion softeners. Among all treated samples, nano‐emulsion softeners showed better ΔE_cmc values. Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggests that the fiber morphology of treated fabrics was very smooth and uniform.