Tribological properties of epoxy-based self-lubricating composite coating enhanced by 2D/2D h-BN/MoS2 hybrid

Abstract A novel hybrid of 2D/2D h-BN/MoS2 was fabricated via facile in-situ hydrothermal method. The chemical composition and microstructure of as-prepared h-BN/MoS2 hybrid were determined, and its enhancement on the tribological properties of epoxy (EP) coating was investigated systematically. Results showed that MoS2 nanosheets were homogeneously and perpendicularly decorated on the hydroxylated h-BN (h-BN-OH) surface, which avoided the agglomeration of MoS2 nanosheets and endowed h-BN with much rougher surface and chemical activity. Furthermore, the h-BN/MoS2 hybrid reinforced epoxy composite coating showed the optimal anti-friction and wear-resistance. The friction coefficient and wear rate of EP composite coating were decreased by about 80% and 88% by the incorporation of h-BN/MoS2, and the composite coating still kept excellent tribological properties under harsh sliding conditions, as a result of the good dispersion of MoS2, high activity of h-BN, synergistic enhancing effect of h-BN/MoS2, as well as the formation of transfer film on the sliding surface.