Effect of graphene oxide and graphite on dry sliding wear behavior of polyester composites

Abstract

Graphene oxide and graphite filled polyester composites were prepared by using conventional melt-mixing methods in order to improve tribological performance of polyester. It was investigated friction stability, microhardness, friction coefficient, and specific wear rate of the composites in details. It was found that the presence of graphite and graphene oxide influenced friction coefficient and wear rate of the composites. Graphene oxide decreased wear rate with increasing of test speed and graphite decreased wear rate for composite for all speeds. Tribological performance of the polyester/graphene composites is mainly attributed to bigger thermal conductivity for graphene, which can easily dissipate the heat which appears during the friction process at bigger forces. The positive influence of graphite on coefficient of friction (COF) of the composites is the result of the clivage of graphite layers during the loadings due to van der Waals weak bonds between the graphite layers.