MoS2-decorated talc hybrid for improving the tribological property of Nomex/PTFE fabric composites

Producing self-lubricating fabric composites with excellent wear resistance and long service life is desired for their use in practical application, yet still challenging. Therefore, a novel nanoparticle of talc-molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) hybrid nanosheets was synthesized via one-step hydrothermal reaction in this work and incorporated into the Nomex/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) self-lubricating fabric composites. The spectroscopic and microscopic characterization demonstrated that the talc-MoS2 nanosheets were successfully synthesized. The talc-MoS2 nanosheets exhibit the obvious layered structure and covered with MoS2. The effect of talc-MoS2 hybrid nanosheets on the tribological performance of fabric composites was systematically evaluated by tri-pin on disk tribometer. The results show that the talc-MoS2 nanosheets increased the thermal stability, thermal conductivity, tensile strength, and hardness of composite and was favorable for forming high-quality transfer film on the surface of counterpart pin during the wear process owing to the cooperation effect of talc-MoS2. The wear rate of talc-MoS2-reinforced composite was reduced by 30%-53% under different conditions compared with pure fabric composite.

Automated summary

A novel talc-MoS2 hybrid nanosheets were successfully synthesized and incorporated into fabric composites, showing significant improvements in thermal stability and hardness, as well as reduced wear rate under different conditions. The layered structure of talc-MoS2 nanosheets played a crucial role in enhancing the tribological performance of the composites.