Construction of 2D/2D graphene oxide/g-C3N4 hybrid for enhancing the friction and wear performance of poly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone)

In this study, a novel hybrid consisted of two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets were fabricated to improve the tribological performance of poly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK). The effect of the mass ratio of GO to g-C3N4 (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) on the microstructure of GO/g-C3N4 was firstly studied. As the ratio was 1:2 (GO/g-C3N4-2), the g-C3N4 could be homogeneously distributed on surface of GO, and the corresponding hybrid possessed many active sites. Moreover, the effect of GO/g-C3N4 hybrid, GO, and g-C3N4 on the tribological properties of PPESK matrix was explored systematically. Results showed that GO/g-C3N4 demonstrated more excellent reinforcing and lubricating effect than single GO and g-C3N4, especially for GO/g-C3N4-2. More importantly, as the content of GO/g-C3N4-2 was 0.1 wt%, the antifriction and anti-wear performance of PPESK was improved by 77.28% and 96.9%, respectively. Moreover, the enhancement mechanisms of GO/g-C3N4 on the tribological behaviors of PPESK were clarified by analyzing the surface morphology of the composite and the counterpart. This work might provide the guidance for the design of a novel nano-hybrid material applied in polymer self-lubricating composites.

Automated summary

A novel hybrid material composed of graphene oxide (GO) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets was fabricated to improve the tribological performance of poly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK). The microstructure of GO/g-C3N4 was studied by varying the mass ratio of GO to g-C3N4, and the ratio of 1:2 (GO/g-C3N4-2) showed the best distribution and active sites. The GO/g-C3N4 hybrid, especially GO/g-C3N4-2, exhibited superior reinforcing and lubricating effects compared to single GO and g-C3N4. Additionally, the addition of 0.1 wt% GO/g-C3N4-2 improved the antifriction and anti-wear performance of PPESK by 77.28% and 96.9%, respectively. The enhancement mechanisms of GO/g-C3N4 on the tribological behaviors of PPESK were clarified by analyzing the surface morphology.