Promoting the tribological properties of epoxy composites via using graphene nanoplatelets as a functional additive

The recent research aims to enhance the mechanical and tribological properties of epoxy composites for sliding applications. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) has been suggested as an additive due to its unique lubricous properties. Group of samples of epoxy (matrix) with different contents of GNP (reinforcement) 0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6 wt.%, and 0.8 wt.% have been fabricated and tested. The experimental results revealed that GNP could significant promote the mechanical and tribological properties of epoxy composites. It is found that the addition of 0.8 wt.% of GNP could reduce the frictional coefficient and the wear rate by 37.32 % and 49.47% respectively with the comparison to the pure epoxy. This enhancement effect is attributed to the formation of GNP tribo-layer with lower shear resistance.