Mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of polyimide/nano-SiO2 composites synthesized using an in-situ polymerization

• Published in: Tribology international 2016-11, Vol.103, p.599-608
• Main Authors: Zhao, Yuanliang, Qi, Xiaowen, Dong, Yu, Ma, Jian, Zhang, Qinglong, Song, Laizhou, Yang, Yulin, Yang, Qingxiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Friction and wear; Homogeneous dispersion; Mechanical and thermal properties; Polyimide (PI)/nano-SiO2 composites
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2016.08.018

Polyimide (PI)/nano-SiO2 composites were successfully fabricated via a novel in-situ polymerization. Microstructure, thermal properties, mechanical performance and tribological behaviors of these composites were investigated. The results indicate that nano-SiO2 dispersed homogeneously. Compared with pure PI, thermal stability and heat resistance are higher about 10°C with the addition of 5wt% nano-SiO2. Compressive strength and modulus of composite with 5wt% nano-SiO2 increase by 42.6 and 45.2%, respectively. The coefficient of friction (COF) of composite with 5wt% nano-SiO2 decrease by 6.8% owing to the thick and uniform transfer films. Excess nano-SiO2 could adversely affect the COF of PI/nano-SiO2 composite. Additionally, wear resistance deteriorates obviously since transfer film exfoliates easily and nano-SiO2 aggregates on the surface of transfer films. [Display omitted] •PI/nano-SiO2 composite powders were synthesized using a novel in-situ polymerization.•Nano-SiO2 particles dispersed homogeneously in PI matrices even nano-SiO2 above 20wt%.•Thermal and mechanical properties of PI/nano-SiO2 composites were enhanced obviously.•PI/nano-SiO2 composites exhibit lower friction coefficient than pure PI.