Comparative Study on the Structure, Mechanical, Thermal, and Tribological Properties of PF Composites Reinforced by Different Kinds of Mesoporous Silicas

Abstract

In the presence of three kinds of mesoporous silica, mesoporous silica/phenolic resin hybrid materials (MS/PF) were prepared by in-situ polymerization with phenol and formaldehyde, then MS/PF composites were manufactured by molding with curing agent and other auxiliaries. The structure characteristics of the mesoporous materials with different structures and the thermal property of MS/PF hybrid materials were characterized, the influence of the reinforcement of mesoporous materials with different structures on the mechanical, thermal and friction properties of MS/PF composites were explored. The results revealed that three synthesized mesoporous silicas accorded with the typical structure characteristics of SBA-15, SBA-16 and KIT-6. After the in-situ reinforcement of three mesoporous silicas, the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the MS/PF hybrid material were improved to a certain extent in contrast to pure phenolic resin. Besides, the reinforcement of three mesoporous silicas didn’t have an apparent influence on the mechanical properties of the MS/PF composites but significantly enhance the high temperature storage modulus of the composite materials. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the MS/PF composites were more stable and much lower under high temperature, respectively. Moreover, the MS/PF composites reinforced by KIT-6 showed the most stable friction coefficient and the least wear rate. It showed that the reinforcement of mesoporous silicas was expected to intensify the friction properties of MS/PF composites, which could be a modifier for materials with high friction properties.