Synthesis of MXene/GO Nanosheet-PVA Composite Hydrogel Lubricants with Tribological Performance: Implications for Water-Based Lubrication

Hydrogels, owing to their outstanding hydrophilicity and remarkable ability to mitigate creep and leakage issues, serve as ideal lubricants. The introduction of nanomaterials such as MXene and graphene oxide (GO) can further enhance the mechanical strength and tribological properties of hydrogels. In this study, MXene/GO-PVA composite hydrogel lubricants were prepared by incorporating the two nanomaterials of MXene and GO into the PVA hydrogel by the chemical cross-linking method, and their tribological properties were systematically investigated. Furthermore, the lubrication mechanism of the MXene/GO-PVA hydrogel was investigated and deduced through multiple analytical techniques. Compared with the base hydrogel and single-component hydrogel, the MXene/GO-PVA hydrogel exhibits the best tribological performance: its coefficient of friction is reduced by 50.68%, and its wear volume is decreased by 63.99% relative to the PVA hydrogel. The inherent low interlayer shear strength and interlayer slip characteristics of MXene and GO, combined with their surface-abundant hydrophilic groups and the synergistic effects generated within the three-dimensional PVA hydrogel network, collectively contribute to the excellent lubrication performance. This study offers insights into the development of high-performance water-based lubricants.