Preparation and tribological properties of polyimide/carbon sphere microcomposite films under seawater condition

The polyimide (PI)-based microcomposites reinforced with carbon sphere were prepared by situ polymerization and mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of PI/carbon sphere microcomposites were investigated. The results showed that the addition of carbon sphere greatly enhanced mechanical and thermal property of PI. In addition, PI/carbon sphere microcomposites had lower friction coefficient under seawater condition than other conditions because of better lubricating effect of seawater. Particularly, 0.7 wt% PI/carbon sphere microcomposite had lowest friction coefficient under seawater lubrication. However, 0.7 wt% PI/carbon sphere microcomposite showed higher wear rate under seawater lubrication than other conditions because of structure defect of microcomposites. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.