Highly lubricating and wear‐resistant Ti3C2Tx@SiO2/PI composites based on the action of transfer film at the friction surface

Abstract Polyimide (PI) is a special engineering plastic, widely involved in mechanical components, instruments, and petrochemicals. However, single PI material is inevitably subject to wear and tear in practice, which leads to weakened material properties. In this work, Ti 3 C 2 T x @SiO 2 was prepared to enhance the wear resistance and lubrication properties of PI by intercalating SiO 2 into the interlayer of Ti 3 C 2 T x sheets. Ti 3 C 2 T x @SiO 2 /PI composites were fabricated in two steps to test the tribological performances. SiO 2 particles change the form of interfacial friction from sliding to rolling, thus relieving direct friction between material and steel ball. So, the composites have a minimum COF (COF = 0.33) when the content of Ti 3 C 2 T x @SiO 2 is 0.80 wt%. Moreover, the average value of wear rate was 0.24 × 10 −5 mm 3 /(N·m) when Ti 3 C 2 T x @SiO 2 content was 1.60 wt%, which was 91.0% lower compared to the PI matrix. During the friction process, the abrasive chips of the material migrate to the surface of the steel ball to form a transfer film, which protects the material and thus reduces the wear rate. Therefore, the hybrids Ti 3 C 2 T x @SiO 2 are effective and important wear‐resistant agents and solid lubricants to improve the wear resistance and lubricity of PI or other polymer materials. Highlights SiO 2 insert Ti 3 C 2 T x is a key factor in changing sliding friction into rolling friction, effectively reducing the COF. The average wear rate was 91.0% lower than that of the polyimide matrix when Ti 3 C 2 T x @SiO 2 content was 1.60 wt%. The minimum COF of Ti 3 C 2 T x @SiO 2 /PI composites reached 0.33 when the content of Ti 3 C 2 T x @SiO 2 was 0.80 wt%. The transfer film effectively reduces further wear of the material during friction.