Preparation of phase change functional two-dimensional materials and the tribological properties

The mechanical properties and toughness of phase change materials are often weakened by defects which affect the application of matrix in tribology , and considering the hybridization of nanomaterials is able to increase the upper limit of materials’ performance. In this study, the in-situ polymerization of isopropylacrylamide was used on the surface of graphene and MXene to prepare a phase change two-dimensional composite with reversible phase change under specific temperatures. The composites were dispersed in epoxy resin matrix by KH550 (γ-Aminopropyl triethoxysilane) to realize phase change modulation of tribological properties. The results showed that the tribological properties of the modified epoxy resin coating realized friction reduction and anti-wear functions, and exhibited different tribological properties at different temperatures. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the composite coatings can be reduced to 0.1 % and 82.2 %, respectively, which is mainly attributed to the two-dimensional structure and physical characteristics of graphene and MXene, as well as the mechanical enhancement of the phase change homopolymer and their synergistic effects.