Experimental analysis on the microstructural, mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of graphene nanoplatelets and molybdenum disulfide filled polyamide‐6,6 novel hybrid composite

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AbstractNovel hybrid composite based on polyamide‐6,6 (PA‐6,6) was developed with graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as hybrid fillers reinforcement using melt‐mixing and injection molding techniques. The structural, thermal, mechanical and tribological characteristics of the hybrid composite were assessed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential calorimetry analysis (DSC), tensile test as well as the friction and wear test, respectively. Compared to pure PA‐6,6, the PA‐6,6/GnPs/MoS2 hybrid composites exhibited enhanced thermal stability. Notably, the composites demonstrated significant improvements in tensile modulus and strength, particularly at a 5 wt.% of hybrid filler loading, showing an increase of ~59% and ~21%, respectively. However, the impact strength exhibited an opposite effect on hybrid filler reinforcements. Furthermore, the fractured surface morphology was analyzed using FESEM images. Moreover, the tribological performance was assessed with a linear reciprocating tribological (LRT) test using ball‐on‐plate tribo‐pair at different abrading frequencies (5 and 25 Hz) and normal loads (10, 30 and 50 N), revealing significant improvements in friction coefficient (CoF) and specific wear rate (WSR) characteristics for the hybrid composite up to 5 wt.% of hybrid fillers addition, attributed to the abrasive and adhesive wear mechanism. The worn surface morphology was further investigated using the FESEM micrographs to better comprehend the wear mechanisms. Therefore, the optimal performance of the developed hybrid composite was observed at 5 wt.% of hybrid filler loadings. Therefore, the developed hybrid composites' excellent thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties could be suggested for their potential utilization in lightweight automotive applications.