Enhanced Tribological Properties of Polymer Composite Coating Containing Graphene at Room and Elevated Temperatures

Abstract

To improve the tribology properties of the polymer coating under elevated temperature, the epoxy coating was reinforced with nano graphene. The micro-hardness, heat conductivity, and thermo-gravimetric properties of the coating were enhanced as filled graphene. The friction and wear properties of the polymer coating were studied using a pin-on-disc tribo-meter under room and elevated temperatures. The results showed that under room temperature, the friction coefficient and the wear rate of the coating adding 4.0 wt % graphene was 80% and 76% lower than that of the neat epoxy coating, respectively. As the test temperature increased, the friction coefficient of the graphene/polymer coatings decreased at first and then slightly increased. The friction coefficient was at its lowest value under 150 °C and then increased as the temperature rose to 200 °C. By adding 4.0 wt % graphene, the friction coefficient and wear rate of the polymer coating were further reduced, especially at elevated temperatures.