Preparation and tribological performance of chemically-modified reduced graphene oxide/polyacrylonitrile composites

Interface control and dispersion of graphene base nanomaterials in polymer matrix are challenging to develop high comprehensive nanocomposites due to their strong interlayer cohesive energy and chemical inertia. In this research, an efficient approach is presented to functionalize reduced graphene oxide nanosheets by N-[3-(trimethoxylsilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine, which is dispersed into polyacrylonitrile to prepare N-[3-(trimethoxylsilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine - reduced graphene oxide/polyacrylonitrile nanocomposites. A thermogravimetric analysis technique was employed to evaluate thermal properties of the nanocomposites. The tribological properties of the polyacrylonitrile/graphene nanocomposites were investigated. The morphologies and volume of the worn surface were examined using a 3D profilometer. The impact of loading ratio on friction coefficient, carry-bearing capacity and durability were studied. The N-[3-(trimethoxylsilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine - reduced graphene oxide/polyacrylonitrile nanocomposite with appropriate loading ratio of reduced graphene oxide exhibited a high load-bearing capacity and durability. Therefore, the polyacrylonitrile/graphene nanocomposite shows promising potential to industrial applications involving the lubrication and anti-wear. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.