Thermal and frictional properties of mesoporous silica SBA-15/phenolic resin nanocomposites

Mesoporous silica SBA-15/phenolic resin hybrid materials (SBA-15/PF) were fabricated through in situ polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of SBA-15 and subsequent SBA-15/PF nanocomposites were prepared by compression moldings. The results revealed that the glass transition temperatures and thermal stability of SBA-15/PF hybrid materials were obviously enhanced compared to pure PF. In addition, the dynamic mechanical and friction properties of SBA-15/PF nanocomposites were improved remarkably. For SBA-15/PF nanocomposites containing 5.0 wt% of SBA-15, the glass transition temperature of the nanocomposite increased by 13.0°C. Moreover, the nanocomposite showed stable friction coefficient and decreased wear rate. The wear mechanism was a combination of adhesive wear and abrasive wear for PF/SBA-15 nanocomposites, while for pure PF friction material was a combination of adhesive wear and fatigue wear. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E351–E358, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers