Constructing the hierarchical TiN@ZIF-8 hybrid for improving the mechanical and tribological performance of fabric composites

Herein, TiN@ZIF-8 hybrid with hierarchical structure was constructed by in situ growth of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) onto the TiN surface via a PDA/PEI (polydopamine/polyethyleneimine) intermediate layer. The characterization of structure and chemical composition affirmed the successful assembly of TiN@ZIF-8 hybrid and the specific surface area of TiN@ZIF-8 hybrid showed a sharp increase from 3.5 m(2)/g for pristine TiN to 183.4 m(2)/g. The resulted TiN@ZIF-8 hybrid was aimed at strengthening the mechanical and tribological properties of fabric composites. The results demonstrated that the tensile strength of TiN@ZIF-8/fabric composites presented an increase by 48% due to the stress transfer and reinforcement of TiN@ZIF-8. Additionally, the incorporation of TiN@ZIF-8 restricted the moving of resin molecular chain and escape of decomposition products, contributing to the improvement in heat resistance of fabric composites. Friction and wear tests indicated that the abrasion resistance of TiN@ZIF-8/fabric composites was significantly improved in comparison with pristine composites because the ZIF-8 loaded on the surface of TiN made for a more even dispersion of TiN, and the introduction of TiN@ZIF-8 contributed to forming a uniform, dense transfer film due to the synergistic enhancement between TiN and ZIF-8.

Automated summary

TiN@ZIF-8 hybrid with a hierarchical structure was fabricated by growing ZIF-8 onto the TiN surface. The hybrid exhibited a significantly increased specific surface area, leading to improved mechanical, thermal, and abrasion resistance properties of fabric composites.