Study on controllable tribological behaviors of self-lubricating laminated composites

Laminated composites reinforced with strong layers and plastic layers are prepared with lamination-bonding process. The strong layer is composed of silicon steel, and the plastic layer is composed of self-lubricating polymer composites fabricated with epoxy resin, MoS₂ and graphite powders. Dry tribological behaviors of the laminated composites are evaluated by a pin-on-disc tester. The results indicate that the laminated composites are endowed with remarkably low friction and wear, which have a low coefficient of friction of 0.15 and a low wear rate of 3.8×10^-7 mm³/(N·m), in the case of 40% filling ratio. C, S and Mo are found in the strong layers at wear scars. Fe and Si are examined in the plastic layers with energy dispersive spectroscopy. It is revealed that the self-lubricating ingredients permeate and transfer to the contact interface under rubbing heat and the plastic layer has trapped metal wear debris. The laminated composites show good wear resistance and anti-friction performances due to the synergistic effect of strong layer and the plastic layer.