Study of tribological properties of polyimide/graphene oxide nanocomposite films under seawater-lubricated condition

• PI composite with 0.5 wt% GO exhibited the best wear resistance.
• Seawater showed better lubricating effect compared to pure water.
• The addition of GO enhanced thermal and mechanical property of composites.
• The influence of GO on the tribological properties was discussed.
• The detailed lubrication mechanism of seawater was discussed.

The polyimide (PI)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite films were synthesized by situ polymerization and their tribological behaviors under dry friction, pure water lubrication and seawater lubrication were comparatively investigated. The results showed that PI/GO exhibited better tribological properties under seawater-lubricated condition than other conditions because of excellent lubricating effect of seawater. Besides, the wear resistance of PI had been greatly improved by filling GO under seawater lubrication and reached the top when the content of GO was 0.5 wt%, because strong interfacial adhesion between PI matrix and GO nanofillers could transfer load effectively between the contact surfaces.

The polyimide (PI)/graphene nanocomposite films were synthesized by in situ polymerization using 4,4′-oxydianilline (ODA), graphene oxide (GO) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA). The tribological properties of PI/GO nanocomposite films were measured under seawater lubrication condition. This study can provide some guidance to develop polymer materials with excellent wear resistance suitable for ocean environment.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (119 K)Download as PowerPoint slide