Mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of polyimide/nano-SiO2 composites synthesized using an in-situ polymerization

Zhao, Y. and Qi, X. and Dong, Y. and Ma, J. and Zhang, Q. and Song, L. and Yang, Y. et al. 2016. Mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of polyimide/nano-SiO2 composites synthesized using an in-situ polymerization. Tribology International. 103: pp. 599-608.

Source Title

Tribology International

DOI

10.1016/j.triboint.2016.08.018

ISSN

1879-2464

School

Department of Mechanical Engineering

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/3680

Collection

Curtin Research Publications

Abstract

Polyimide (PI)/nano-SiO2 composites were successfully fabricated via a novel in-situ polymerization. Microstructure, thermal properties, mechanical performance and tribological behaviors of these composites were investigated. The results indicate that nano-SiO2 dispersed homogeneously. Compared with pure PI, thermal stability and heat resistance are higher about 10 °C with the addition of 5 wt% nano-SiO2. Compressive strength and modulus of composite with 5 wt% nano-SiO2 increase by 42.6 and 45.2%, respectively. The coefficient of friction (COF) of composite with 5 wt% nano-SiO2 decrease by 6.8% owing to the thick and uniform transfer films. Excess nano-SiO2 could adversely affect the COF of PI/nano-SiO2 composite. Additionally, wear resistance deteriorates obviously since transfer film exfoliates easily and nano-SiO2 aggregates on the surface of transfer films.