Effect of MoS2 on the tribological properties of carbon fabric composites under wet conditions

Abstract

Carbon fabric reinforced phenolic composites are very attractive for use as friction materials under wet conditions due to their excellent self-lubricity, wear resistance, and high mechanical strength. However, brittle fracture of carbon fabric bundles during friction is one of the major problems that limit their application. In this work, MoS2 particles were used as additives and friction modifiers to improve the wear and friction behaviors. The composites containing different amounts of MoS2 particulates (0–20 wt%) were fabricated by impregnation technique. The influence of MoS2 on the tribological properties under oil-lubricated conditions has been studied systematically. The experimental results revealed that tribological characteristics such as coefficient of friction and wear resistance were changed significantly with the relative amount of MoS2. Addition of MoS2 within 15 wt% was found to decrease the wear rates of the composites, while 20 wt% MoS2-filled composites exhibited highest wear rate compared to other test samples. Increasing MoS2 content resulted in a rise in the wear rate of the counterparts. Wear mechanisms had been investigated by scanning electron microscope, which could support the observed wear performance.