Tribological Investigation of MC PA6 Reinforced by Boron Nitride of Single Layer

Monomer casting polyamide 6 (MC PA6)/boron nitride of single layer (SBN) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by in situ ring-opening polymerization. SBN was prepared by sonication assisted with solution beforehand. Studies on frictional and wear performance of the nanocomposites were carried out on a block-on-ring tester. The results showed that the nanocomposites had lower wear rates and friction coefficients in comparison with neat MC PA6. The incorporation of 0.25 wt% SBN into MC PA6 significantly reduced wear and friction under dry sliding; however, with further increasing the SBN loading, both wear rate and friction coefficient began to increase. The SEM micrographs of the worn surface revealed their friction and wear mechanisms. Pure MCPA6 was characterized by severe lamellar spalling with adhesive wear being the major wear form which caused high friction and wear. The wear modes of the nanocomposites became mainly abrasive wear with lower content of SBN and displayed fatigue wear with higher content of SBN. The morphology of a uniform transfer film on the counterpart ring and fine wear debris for the nanocomposites corresponded to the improved tribological performance.