Interfacial tailoring of basalt fiber/epoxy composites by metal–organic framework based oil containers for promoting its mechanical and tribological properties

Abstract The chemical inertness of the basalt felt (BF) results in a weak interface bonding between BF and polymer matrix, which hinders the further application of BF reinforced composites. In this study, nickel‐based metal–organic framework (Ni‐MOF) sheets were decorated on the surface of BF by a facile one‐step hydrothermal method to improve the interfacial bonding between BF and epoxy resin (EP) matrix and embed solid paraffin. The mechanical and tribological properties of EP composites reinforced with BF were evaluated. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) between BF and EP was measured by a single‐fiber drawing test, and the results indicated that the IFSS increased by 15.19% after MOF modification. The surface of BF transformed from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity, therefore significantly improving the compatibility between EP and BF. Compared with pure EP, the composites exhibited improvements of 37.55% and 203.39% in tensile strength and tensile modulus, respectively. Meanwhile, the friction coefficient and specific wear rate of the composite decreased by 58.82% and 56.50%, respectively. The solid paraffin was observed to be enclosed by Ni‐MOF sheets, which endowed the composite with a self‐lubricating behavior during friction. This study will advance the comprehensive performance of EP and provide a versatile strategy for tuning the interface compatibility between the reinforcement material and the matrix. Highlights A novel Ni‐MOF decorated BF was developed for storage of PW. The BF/MOF/PW can simultaneously boost the tribological and mechanical properties of EP. Surface tailoring of BF was realized with decorating MOF sheets and embedding PW. A decline in friction coefficient by 58.82% was achieved.