Preparation of phase change functional two-dimensional materials and the tribological properties

Abstract

The mechanical properties and toughness of phase change materials are often weakened by defects which affect the application of matrix in tribology, and considering the hybridization of nanomaterials is able to increase the upper limit of materials’ performance. In this study, the in-situ polymerization of isopropylacrylamide was used on the surface of graphene and MXene to prepare a phase change two-dimensional composite with reversible phase change under specific temperatures. The composites were dispersed in epoxy resin matrix by KH550 (γ-Aminopropyl triethoxysilane) to realize phase change modulation of tribological properties. The results showed that the tribological properties of the modified epoxy resin coating realized friction reduction and anti-wear functions, and exhibited different tribological properties at different temperatures. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the composite coatings can be reduced to 0.1 % and 82.2 %, respectively, which is mainly attributed to the two-dimensional structure and physical characteristics of graphene and MXene, as well as the mechanical enhancement of the phase change homopolymer and their synergistic effects.

Keywords

• Phase change material
• Two-dimensional materials
• Temperature
• Tribology