Surface functionalizing effect of fillers on the tribological properties of MWCNT reinforcement HSGFs/phenolic laminate composites under water lubrication

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and high strength glass fabrics (HSGFs) were modified by polydopamine and polyethyleneimine, respectively. The aim is to improve the friction and wear performance of the synthesized laminate composites in water environment. In this work, polydopamine was used to improve the dispersibility of MWCNTs in phenolic resin matrix, and polyethyleneimine was utilized to enhance the wettability and reactivity of HSGFs. The modified results showed that the dispersibility of MWCNTs treated by polydopamine in water had a distinct improvement in comparison with that of the pristine MWCNTs. Furthermore, it can be clearly observed that good dispersibility can improve the friction and wear performance of the laminate composites. After functionalizing HSGFs by polyethyleneimine, the laminate composites exhibited excellent interfacial bonding, also greatly enhancing the friction and wear properties of the composites.