Synergistic effect of novel hyperbranched polysiloxane and Ti3C2Tx MXene/MoS2 hybrid filler towards desirable mechanical and tribological performance of bismaleimide composites

Despite two-dimensional (2D) layered MoS 2 and newly emerging lamellar MXene providing great potential in lubricity, the mechanical and tribological performance of their hybrids in polymeric composites has been rarely discussed. Herein, the Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/MoS 2 hybrids were successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method , and a novel hyperbranched polysiloxane (HBPSi) terminated by amino groups was synthesized by a one-pot polycondensation reaction. The mechanical and tribological properties of bismaleimide (BMI) composites as well as their wear mechanisms were systematically evaluated using HBPSi as reinforced phase and MXene/MoS 2 as lubrication additive. The results show that the addition of HBPSi and MXene/MoS 2 hybrids dramatically improved mechanical strengths and tribological performance . Specifically, the 8 wt% HBPSi and 0.6 wt% MXene/MoS 2 hybrid filler enhanced impact and flexural strengths by 85% and 42%, and decreased the frictional coefficient and wear rate by 69% and 88%, respectively, with neat BMI resin as a comparison. The splendid mechanical and tribological performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect of “soft” toughening HBPSi and “hard” lubricating MXene/MoS 2 , the good dispersion of hybrid filler , and the formed protective tribo-film. This work paves a way for the design and application of novel high-performance lubrication additive in the polymeric matrix .