Investigation of friction and wear behavior of hydroxyl-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets filled elastomer nanocomposites

Abstract

The use of unfilled pure elastomer parts is limited in friction wheels, roller tires, sealing elements, and dynamic friction air suspension applications requiring high wear resistance. This study investigates the mechanical and tribological properties of new nanocomposites obtained by adding hydroxyl-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets at 1, 4, and 8 phr (parts per hundred rubber) ratios to the carbon black filled main rubber compound of sealing elements designed for axle hubs. The synergistic effect of nanofiller materials on the wear behavior of nanocomposites was tested with a block-on-ring wear tester under dry sliding conditions at 1000 rpm and 15 N normal load conditions. The worn surfaces were examined with scanning electron microscopy and circularly polarized light–differential interference contrast topology microscopy to reveal the wear mechanism. The addition of functionalized graphene nanoplatelets to the nanocomposite compound caused significant changes in tensile strength and elongation values by changing the cross-link density. The wear rate of nanocomposites prepared with graphene nanoplatelets at 1, 4, and 8 phr ratios was 11.15%, 25.24%, and 36.54% lower than the main rubber mixture used, respectively. While the hysteresis loss decreased by 14.83% at 1 phr, this value increased in other filler ratios. Significant differences in temperature change occurred as the amount of filler increased. After the test, the temperature values of nanocomposites with 1 and 4 phr filler ratios were between about 85–89°C, while it was measured as 99°C in nanocomposites with 8 phr filler ratios. It has been observed that the homogeneous distribution of two-dimensional carbon allotropes such as graphene nanoplatelet added to the rubber matrix at the optimum rate will improve tribological properties such as better surface lubrication, low wear rate, and low friction coefficient.

Performance prediction and parameter optimization of alumina-titanium carbide ceramic micro-EDM hole machining process based on XGBoost

“…While several studies have investigated various prediction model techniques for optimizing EDM process parameters, there is still a gap in understanding how these parameters affect specific materials such as Al 2 O 3 -TiC ceramics. [25][26][27] The lack of analysis on this topic limits our ability to validate experimental results and fully understand how different variables impact EDM performance indicators. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct further research into this area and increase our knowledge about the influence of different variables analyzed in previous studies specifically applied to Al 2 O 3 -TiC ceramic holes.…”

Synthesis of chemically exfoliated reduced graphene oxide from as-grated graphite rods recovered from used household batteries for utilization in tribological applications

“…Carbon-based materials have attracted tribologists due to their exceptional friction and wear characteristics. [14][15][16][17] Graphene, a 2D nanomaterial, is a versatile material that can be used as nanofillers [18][19][20][21][22][23] in composites to increase strength and as nanoadditives 24 in synthetic oils and water-based lubricants to increase wear resistance. Synthesized rGO as highly exfoliated, 25 super high exfoliated, 26 used as nanocomposites, 27 hybrid nanomaterials, 28 prove to be an effective friction modifier.…”

Experimental study on micro electrical discharge machining of alumina–titanium carbide ceramic materials

“…It is typically used in mold and aircraft component manufacturing. 6,7 EDM is advantageous for engineering ceramic and other hard brittle material processing because it entails no contact stress and is not affected by the strength and hardness of the workpiece.…”