Preparation of TiO2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid nanocomposites and their tribological properties as base oil lubricant additives

TiO2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid nanocomposites were successfully prepared by a facile liquid phase synthesis technology. The phase structure and morphology of as prepared samples were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that uniform TiO2 particles were distributed within the surface and edge of Ti(3)C(2)Tx nanosheets. Subsequently, the tribological properties of the TiO2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid nanocomposite as lubricant additive in base oil were evaluated with a UMT-2 ball-on-disc tribotester, and the morphologies of worn steel surfaces were investigated using a scanning electron microscope and non-contact optical profile testing instrument. The results of the friction tests showed that base oil with 1 wt% TiO2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid nanocomposite under optimal load had excellent friction reduction. The morphology of the worn surface analyzed by SEM and non-contact optical profile testing confirmed that the hybrid nanocomposites mended the scratched surface and formed a uniform tribofilm, thereby helping to improve the tribological properties of the base oil. Furthermore, this work shows the promising applications of TiO2/Ti3C2Tx hybrid nanocomposites in the field of tribology.