Synergy of B4C@MoS2 hybrid for significantly improved mechanical and tribological properties of PI/PTFE fabric composites

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, a hierarchical B4C@MoS2 hybrid is constructed by growing MoS2 nanoflowers onto micro B4C (boron carbide) surface via an in situ hydrothermal process. Thereinto, the PDA/PEI (polydopamine/polyethyleneimine) co‐deposition coating covers over the micro B4C surface to serve as the interfacial interlayer responsible for assembling the B4C and MoS2 together strongly. The achieved B4C@MoS2 hybrid is used to strengthen the tribological performance of PI/PTFE fabric phenolic composites. Tests showed that the resultant B4C@MoS2/fabric composites exhibited effective enhancement in hardness because of the outstanding strength and modulus of B4C. Meanwhile, the thermal stability of B4C@MoS2/fabric composites significantly outperformed the MoS2/fabric composites resulting from the excellent thermal and barrier properties of B4C. Moreover, the tribological tests manifested that the wear rate of B4C@MoS2/fabric composites was decreased by 84% compared to that of pure composites. The synergetic enhancement effect between B4C and MoS2 was revealed by worn surfaces and tribofilms analysis. The B4C@MoS2/fabric composites possessed the optimal wear resistance ascribed to the excellent load‐bearing capacity of B4C and lubricating property of MoS2.