Significance of constructed MXene@Ag hybrids for enhancing the mechanical and tribological performance of epoxy composites

Herein, the hierarchical MXene@Ag hybrids were successfully prepared via an in-situ reduction. Moreover, the influences of MXene@Ag hybrids on thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of epoxy resin (EP) were investigated systematically. Experimental results indicated that the thermal properties of EP/MXene@Ag composites were improved effectively. Meanwhile the tensile strength and elongation at break of EP/MXene@Ag composites were enhanced by 49.6% and 32.1%, respectively, compared to that of pure EP. Especially, the average wear rate and friction coefficient of EP/MXene@Ag composites decreased by 87.5% and 14.3% compared to that of pure EP, presenting the optimal tribological behavior. Moreover, the synergistic reinforcing effects of MXene and Ag NPs for EP matrix were discussed systematically.

Automated summary

The hierarchical MXene@Ag hybrids were successfully prepared via in-situ reduction, and their influences on the thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of epoxy resin were systematically investigated. Experimental results showed improvements in thermal properties, tensile strength, elongation at break, wear rate, and friction coefficient in EP/MXene@Ag composites, with the latter showing optimal tribological behavior. The synergistic reinforcing effects of MXene and Ag NPs for the EP matrix were also discussed.