Tribological and mechanical investigation of MC nylon reinforced by modified graphene oxide

Monomer casting (MC) nylon/graphene oxide nanocomposites were synthesized by an alkali-catalyzed anionic ring-opening polymerization. Studies on mechanical and tribological properties of the composites were carried out. The results showed that graphene oxide of very low content had a notable effect on reinforcing the MC nylon matrix. The incorporation of graphene oxide into MC nylon largely reduced wear and friction under dry sliding. The nanocomposites have lower wear rates in comparison with neat MC nylon and the greater the difference, the greater are the loads and the sliding velocities. The SEM micrographs of the worn surface revealed their wear mechanisms. The morphology of a uniform transfer film on the counterpart ring and fine wear debris for the nanocomposites corresponded to the improved wear performance.