MXene-Al2O3 synergize to reduce friction and wear on epoxy-steel contacts lubricated with ultra-low sulfur diesel. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Lihe; Zhang, Yaoming; Zhang, Ga; Wang, Qihua; Wang, Tingmei
• Is Part Of: Tribology international. Volume 153(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Tribofilm -- MXene -- Polymer nanocomposite -- Ultra-low sulfur diesel; Tribology -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2020.106588
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-679X

Abstract

Abstract: Solid tribofilm plays a vital role in lubricating and separating friction pairs during relative movement especially under mixed/boundary conditions. However, the present of the ultra-low sulfur diesel retrogrades the formation of the high-performance tribofilm on the counter steel. Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides or nitrides (MXene) with abundant surface functional groups are promising for forming robust tribofilm at the sliding interface when adding it into self-lubricating polymer. Herein, the design of MXene/epoxy (EP) nanocomposites with enhanced tribology performance is reported. Furthermore, we demonstrated an efficient approach for realizing superlubricity and extraordinary low wear rates (97% off) by incorporating 0D Al2 O3 and 2D MXenes. Here, we ascribed the splendid tribological properties to the hybrid tribofilm which can effectively avoid direct contact of the friction pairs. This study provides a basis for exploring the structure-properties relationship of tribofilms, also exploring the potentials of MXene for developing advanced functional materials. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Tribological mechanisms of EP composites lubricated by ULSD were studied. MXene is promising for forming robust tribofilm at the sliding interface. Superlubricity was realized by incorporating MXene, Al2 O3 and EP resin. MXene-Al2 O3 has a synergistic effect on reducing wear rate of EP by 97% off. Hybrid nanostructure tribofilm is crucial on enhancing tribological performance.