Effect of nano-Si3N4 surface treatment on the tribological performance of epoxy composite
Y. Luo, X. Y. Yu, X. M. Dong, M. Z. Rong, M. Q. Zhang
Vol. 4., No.3., Pages 131-140, 2010
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2010.18
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2010.18
Corresponding author: Y. Luo 
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
To overcome the disadvantages generated by the loose nano-partilce agglomerates dispersed in polymer composites, a chemical grafting method was applied to modify nano-Si3N4 by covalently bonding glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto the particles. The tribological behavior of the epoxy composite filled with nano-Si3N4 or GMA treated Si3N4 (Si3N4-g-PGMA) was studied using a ring-on-block wear tester under dry sliding, and the worn surface of the filled epoxy composite and the surface roughness of the composites after the sliding wear test were investigated by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and AFM (atomic force microscopy), respectively. In comparison to the composites filled with untreated nano-Si3N4 particles, the composites with the grafted Sinano-3N4 exhibit improved sliding wear resistance and reduced friction coefficient owing to the chemical bonding at the filler/matrix interface.
