Wear characteristics of exfoliated MoS₂/polyamide-6,6 composite

Abstract

Effect of exfoliation of MoS 2 on the wear characteristics of the MoS 2 /PA-6,6 composite is investigated. Exfoliation of MoS 2 is identified using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Wear loss of composites is done using Taber abrasion tester with CS-17 abrasive wheel and atomic force microscope is used to characterize the worn surface. It is observed that wear loss of MoS 2 /PA-6,6 composite is strongly affected by content and exfoliation of MoS 2 . Wear loss of composites is decreased by the addition of MoS 2 irrespective of exfoliation and it is improved with increasing filler content. Exfoliated MoS 2 /PA-6,6 composites show improved wear characteristic, that is, reduced wear loss, compared to the pristine MoS 2 /PA-6,6 composite. Addition of MoS 2 induces less plastic deformation of the worn surface of composites, and it is more distinct for exfoliated MoS 2 .