Tribological Behavior of Novel Ti3SiC2 (Natural Nanolaminates)-Reinforced Epoxy Composites during Dry Sliding

In this article, we report for the first time the synthesis and characterization of Ti3SiC2-epoxy (MAXPOL) composites. Three novel composites were designed by adding 20.7, 30.6, and 71.6 vol% Ti3SiC2 particulates to an epoxy matrix. The microstructure evaluation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the Ti3SiC2 particles are well dispersed in the epoxy matrix. The addition of Ti3SiC2 enhanced the ultimate yield strength (UYS) and hardness of all of the composites compared to epoxy. Tribological studies were performed by a tab-on-disc method against Inconel 718 and alumina substrates. In both cases, the mean friction coefficient (mmean) decreased as the concentration of Ti3SiC2 in the epoxy matrix was increased. The concomitant wear rates (WRs) also decreased steadily and then increased slightly after reaching a concentration of similar to 32.6 vol% Ti3SiC2. The tribological studies proved conclusively that the addition of Ti3SiC2 in the epoxy matrix imparts self-lubricity to the composites. The tribofilms formed on different tribosurfaces were also characterized by detailed SEM investigations.