Wear characteristics of exfoliated MoS2/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.