ZnO nanowires decoration on carbon fiber via hydrothermal synthesis for paper-based friction materials with improved friction and wear properties

Abstract

Two-step growth of ZnO nanowires (NWs) on carbon fiber (CF) surface via hydrothermal synthesis was studied and their application in the preparation of paper-based friction materials by wet-forming process was also investigated. SEM and EDS results showed a dense and uniform ZnO NWs layer with vertical alignment was well established on surface of CFs. UV–vis spectra and XRD characterization further confirmed the formation of ZnO NWs on CFs surface. In comparison with control sample (paper-based friction material containing pristine CFs), the modified sample (paper-based friction material containing modified CFs) exhibited higher and more stable dynamic friction coefficient and greater wear resistance. It was concluded that the CFs@ZnO NWs had excellent tribological properties and was highly promising for wet paper-based friction material.