Evaluation of improved tribo-performance characteristics of MoS2 functionalized MWCNTs hybrid reinforced epoxy composites for severe erosion conditions

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 197; p. 109766
• Main Authors: Varghese, Arun Sam, M. S., Sreekanth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Erosion; Mechanical Properties; Morphology; Nanocompsoite; Wear; Mechanical Properties; Nanocompsoite; Wear; Morphology; Erosion
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2024.109766

Solid particle erosion (SPE) has become a major concern for epoxy composite structures exposed to high erosion conditions. A novel erosion-resistive hybrid nanofiller molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) functionalized MWCNTs have been synthesized by hydrothermal route. Epoxy nanocomposite with MoS2 functionalized MWCNTs showed enhanced SPE resistance and mechanical properties as compared to conventional MWCNTs nanocomposites. Epoxy/MoS2/MWCNTs – 1 nanocomposite showed low erosion rate of 471 mg/Kg and 132 mg/Kg at 15° and 90° impact angles, whereas epoxy/MWCNTs nanocomposite showed high erosion rate of 548 mg/Kg and 300 mg/Kg at 15° and 90° impact angles respectively. Erosion efficiency parameter (η) was used to predict the possible erosion mechanism and was further validated using FE-SEM analysis. [Display omitted] •MoS2/MWCNTs nanocomposite showed synergistic effect on SPE resistance and UTS.•MoS2 functionalized MWCNTs nanoparticle was synthesized using hydrothermal route.•Epoxy/MWCNTs composites showed highest ER of 548 gm/Kg and UTS of 55 MPa.•Epoxy/MoS2/MWCNTs - 1 composites showed ER of 471 gm/Kg but low UTS of 45 MPa.•Epoxy/MoS2/MWCNTs - 2 composites showed ER of 480 gm/Kg and UTS of 60 MPa.