Wear characteristics of exfoliated MoS 2 /polyamide-6,6 composite

Abstract

Effect of exfoliation of MoS₂ on the wear characteristics of the MoS₂/PA-6,6 composite is investigated. Exfoliation of MoS₂ 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 MoS₂/PA-6,6 composite is strongly affected by content and exfoliation of MoS₂. Wear loss of composites is decreased by the addition of MoS₂ irrespective of exfoliation and it is improved with increasing filler content. Exfoliated MoS₂/PA-6,6 composites show improved wear characteristic, that is, reduced wear loss, compared to the pristine MoS₂/PA-6,6 composite. Addition of MoS₂ induces less plastic deformation of the worn surface of composites, and it is more distinct for exfoliated MoS₂.