The Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites with WS2 Nanotubes

Abstract

It is now possible to synthesize inorganic nanotubes (INT) of WS2 in a pure phase and substantial amounts. Due to their crystalline perfection, they are characterized by excellent mechanical behavior. This study is dedicated to the investigation of the effect of INT-WS2 on the mechanical, thermal, adhesion and tribological properties of epoxy based nanocomposites. Various concentrations up to 1.0 wt% of the INT were added to the epoxy matrix. First a method was developed to mix the nanotubes in the epoxy resin matrix. A combination of both magnetic stirring and ultrasonic mixing was used. The adhesion, fracture toughness and strain energy release rate were studied. The INT-WS2 were found to significantly improve all these properties. The wear of the nanotubes-reinforced epoxy was eight-times lower than that of pure epoxy. These results suggest numerous applications.

Keywords

• Inorganic nanotubes
• WS2 nanotubes
• Epoxy nanocomposites
• Mechanical properties of nanocomposites
• Wear of nanocomposites