Highly wear-resistant and recyclable paper-based self-lubricating material based on lignin-cellulose-graphene layered interwoven structure

Conventional paper-based wear-resistant materials employ thermosetting resin as the matrix, which are difficult to recycle, degrade, and reuse after scrapping, causing significant damage to the environment. The discovery of sustainable alternatives has the potential to transform the manufacture of paper-based wear-resistant materials into low-carbon production. Herein, inspired by spider webs sticking to insects, a paper-based self-lubricating material based on lignin-cellulose-graphene layered interwoven structure was prepared by lignin-cellulose assisted in-situ exfoliation of flake graphite strategy. Graphene adheres to the interlaced cellulose network, while lignin serves as a natural binder and matrix, resulting in a 2D interwoven structure. The paper-based film had a 37.4% greater average mechanical strength than pure lignin-cellulose film and a 56% lower toughness loss following heat treatment. The friction coefficient of the film-15% was 173.3% lower than that of the film-10%, and it maintained long-term stability with a low wear rate of 3.9 x 10(-3) mm(3)/(N center dot m). Furthermore, the end-oflife products were recycled five times and can be degraded by microorganisms in moist soil within 40 days. The degradation products can provide nutrients for plant growth, indicating that it is a potential alternative to nonrecyclable wear-resistant materials for light-duty transmission machinery.

Automated summary

Conventional paper-based wear-resistant materials are harmful to the environment due to difficulties in recycling and reusing. A sustainable alternative has been discovered, utilizing a lignin-cellulose-graphene layered interwoven structure to create a paper-based self-lubricating material. This material shows improved mechanical strength, reduced toughness loss, and lower friction coefficient, making it a potential replacement for nonrecyclable wear-resistant materials.