MXene-Al2O3 synergize to reduce friction and wear on epoxy-steel contacts lubricated with ultra-low sulfur diesel

Solid tribofilm plays a vital role in lubricating and separating friction pairs during relative movement especially under mixed/boundary conditions. However, the present of the ultra-low sulfur diesel retrogrades the formation of the high-performance tribofilm on the counter steel. Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides or nitrides (MXene) with abundant surface functional groups are promising for forming robust tribofilm at the sliding interface when adding it into self-lubricating polymer. Herein, the design of MXene/epoxy (EP) nanocomposites with enhanced tribology performance is reported. Furthermore, we demonstrated an efficient approach for realizing superlubricity and extraordinary low wear rates (97% off) by incorporating OD Al2O3 and 2D MXenes. Here, we ascribed the splendid tribological properties to the hybrid tribofilm which can effectively avoid direct contact of the friction pairs. This study provides a basis for exploring the structure-properties relationship of tribofilms, also exploring the potentials of MXene for developing advanced functional materials.

Automated summary

This study reports on the design of MXene/epoxy nanocomposites with enhanced tribology performance, as well as an efficient method for achieving superlubricity and low wear rates by incorporating OD Al2O3 and 2D MXenes. The hybrid tribofilm effectively prevents direct contact, providing a basis for exploring the structure-properties relationship and potential development of advanced functional materials.