Enhanced tribological properties of bismaleimides with a novel hybrid silicon dioxide containing amino groups

Abstract

<jats:p> To improve the tribological properties of bismaleimide (BMI) resin, silicon dioxide nanoparticles with imino and terminal functional amino groups were prepared through a sol–gel process to form a novel SiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>-NH<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> hybrid. The as-prepared hybrid was then applied as a modifying agent for the BMI matrix to obtain SiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>-NH<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>/BMI composites. Compared to those of pure BMI resin, the volume wear rate and friction coefficient of the SiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>-NH<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>/BMI composites decreased significantly, while the wear mechanism changed from fatigue (BMI) to adhesive (SiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>-NH<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>/BMI) wear. This improvement in the tribological properties of the SiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>-NH<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>/BMI composites was attributed to the appropriate SiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>-NH<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> added content, which endowed the BMI with excellent mechanical and thermal-resistant properties. Thus, the SiO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>-NH<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>/BMI composites could resist the external load and excessive heat during the friction process. </jats:p>