Tribological Properties of Carbon Fabric/Epoxy Composites Filled with FGr@MoS2 Hybrids under Dry Sliding Conditions

Hybrids of fluorinated graphite/MoS₂ (FGr@MoS₂) were prepared via a hydrothermal method and used as lubricating additives to take full advantage of the synergy between FGr and MoS₂ in carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The results show a 21.6% reduction in the friction coefficient compared to the neat sample when the CFRP was filled with 1.2 wt.% FGr@MoS₂ hybrids. The addition of 1.5 wt.% FGr@MoS₂ resulted in a 60.9% reduction in the wear rate compared to neat CFRP. For the 1.2 wt.% FGr@MoS₂-reinforced CFRP, the friction coefficient maintained a relatively steady value of approximately 0.46 at various temperatures, indicating frictional stability. However, the wear rate increased by 13.95% at 60 °C compared to that at room temperature. The interfacial bonding force between the FGr@MoS₂ hybrid and the matrix, as well as the adhesive force with the surface of the counterpart ball, is improved, caused by the heterostructure of FGr@MoS₂, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties and formation efficiency as well as the transfer film on the surface of the counterpart ball. The results suggest that an FGr@MoS₂ micro-nano structure is a promising additive to be applied in polymer tribology.