2D Mo2CTx Reinforced Polyimide Nanocomposites for Enhancement of Surface Tribological Performance at Elevated Temperatures

In order to improve the high-temperature friction and wear properties of polyimide (PI), Mo 2 CT x /PI nanocomposite materials are prepared by using 2D Mo 2 CT x MXene as reinforcement. Compared with the properties of pure PI, Mo 2 CT x /PI nanocomposites exhibit significant improvement on thermal stability, hardness, and tribological performance. Especially, the addition of Mo 2 CT x can reduce friction coefficient and wear rate of PI significantly at different temperatures ranging from room temperature (RT) to 200 °C. The hardness and the thermo-degradation temperature of composites increase due to the formation of an organic inorganic structure. In addition, this structure helps to form a protective film containing Mo 2 CT x nanoflakes, iron oxide, molybdenum oxide, and organic compounds during friction, and improve the tribological properties of PI composite.