Graphite phase carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has shown great promise as a functional filler in the field of friction. But at present, research in the field of friction mainly focuses on bulk g‐C3N4 or obtaining g‐C3N4 nano‐sheets through inefficient exfoliation strategies, which greatly limits its industrial applications. In the study, a simple and effective secondary calcination method has been developed to successfully fabricate ultrathin white g‐C3N4 nano‐sheets. The mass ratio of the same volume of bulk g‐C3N4 and white g‐C3N4 nano‐sheets was as high as 50:1. Subsequently, the tribological performance of epoxy (EP) composite coatings containing different contents of bulk g‐C3N4 and g‐C3N4 nano‐sheets were researched. The EP composite coatings containing 1 wt.% g‐C3N4 nano‐sheets possess the lowest wear rate and friction coefficient in all samples, which is attributed to the two‐dimensional planar structure and high specific surface area of g‐C3N4 nano‐sheets make it easier to transfer to the dual surface to form the excellent transfer film under the action of friction force, so that the friction mainly occurs between a dual surface and a transfer film, which effectively improves the tribological performance of the coatings.Highlights
Ultrathin white g‐C3N4 nano‐sheets were prepared by secondary calcination.
EP‐1 wt.% g‐C3N4 nanosheets show the best tribological properties.
g‐C3N4 nanosheet is easy to transfer to dual surfaces to form transfer films.
This work provides guidance for the application of nanofillers in tribology.