Tribological and mechanical properties of low content nanodiamond/epoxy nanocomposites

An extensive tribological and mechanical study was performed on the epoxy-based nanocomposites reinforced with low contents of nanodiamond (ND) particles. Consistent rising in the hardness values and considerable decrease in the wear rate and coefficient of friction values were observed. It was found that the addition of only 0.1 wt.% of ND decreases the coefficient of friction and the wear rate 50% and 84%, respectively. Furthermore, despite improvement in the mechanical properties of epoxy/0.1 wt.% ND, the addition of higher amounts of nanofillers hindered more enhancements. The mechanisms involved in the tribological and the mechanical behaviors have also been discussed in detail. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.