Influence of polyethyleneimine functionalized graphene on tribological behavior of epoxy composite

Abstract

In order to improve the tribological properties of epoxy resin (EP), graphene was functionalized by an amine-riched polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI) and then fabricated the P-GP/EP composites. The tribological behavior of P-GP/EP composites was investigated by wear testing machine and micro-scratch tester from macroscales and microscales, respectively. Meanwhile, the tensile strength and microhardness were also measured, and the fracture toughness of the composites was evaluated through micro scratch. The results showed that the friction and wear properties of P-GP/EP composites were improved both in macroscales and microscales, and the results of wear resistance were consistent under macro and micro tests. The wear rate in macroscale and volume loss in microscale were 76.76% and 51.34% lower than those of pure EP, respectively. The tensile strength, hardness and fracture toughness of the composites were also improved by the addition of P-GP. The fracture toughness of epoxy composites could be accurately evaluated based on linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM).