Improved wear resistance and mechanical properties of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites for advanced engineering applications

Abstract

Improvement of wear behaviour and mechanical properties of polymers as bulk and surface coating materials for advanced engineering applications have been research interest. Improved wear resistance and mechanical properties were achieved in this study by incorporation of surface modified graphene and titanium dioxide nano-powder in poly (vinylidene fluoride) matrix via solution blending and melt compounding. The morphology of the nanocomposites was studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The nanocomposites showed significant reduction in wear volume and enhanced mechanical properties due to the presence of surface modified nanofillers. About 76.5% reduction in wear volume, 52% and 186.5% increase in tensile strength and Young modulus respectively were achieved in this study. The surface modification of the nanofillers was essential in dispersion of the nanofillers in the polymer matrix and the improved properties recorded. Such nanocomposites can find applications as protective surface coating materials for high frictional condition and bulk materials for automobile and aerospace components.