Tribo-mechanical characterisation of MoS₂ and H-BN reinforced PA66 composite

ABSTRACT

This research aims to create a composite that is inexpensive and can be used in mechanical applications. The main aim is to improve the tribological performance of PA66 by reinforcements. Two fillers were utilised in the experimentation because MoS₂ is a remarkably effective solid lubricant in dry conditions, but the results are not the same in high humidity. H-BN is utilised here to get the benefit in both dry and humid environments and to reduce the negative impact of humidity on the tribological performance of composite. Tensile and hardness tests were performed to identify the mechanical properties, while tribological tests on pin-on-disc were performed to analyse the COF and wear rates of materials. SEM, XRD, and DSC characterisations were utilised to analyse the tensile fracture mechanism, crystallinity, and glass-transition temperature of materials, respectively. The result shows that the strength and hardness of the composite increased in a reasonable amount compared to virgin PA66. Wear and COF tests were conducted with three different parameters, and the results showed an improvement in wear rates of composites compared to virgin PA66.

KEYWORDS:

• Polymer composite
• PA66
• MoS₂
• H-BN
• COF
• wear

Acknowledgments

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Jagruti Prajapati, faculty of RPCP, CHARUSAT University, for the support and knowledge sharing.

Data availability statement (DAS)

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Manan J. Vaidya

Manan J. Vaidya has completed his B.Tech. in mechanical engineering from Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT) in 2021. His area of expertise is polymer composites and tribology.

Ishit M. Raycha

Ishit Raycha has completed his B.Tech. from Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT) in 2021. Currently, he is pursuing MBA from Som-Lalit Institute of Business Management, Ahmedabad. His area of expertise is polymer composites and tribology.

Devashish P. Trivedi

Devashish P. Trivedi has completed his B.Tech. in mechanical engineering from Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT) in 2021. His area of expertise is polymer composites and tribology.

Jainam P. Shah

Jainam P. Shah has completed his diploma in mechanical engineering from Laxmi Institutes of Technology, Sarigam in 2018, and B.Tech. from Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT) in 2021. Currently, he is working as a graduate engineer trainee in Western Refrigeration, Sanjay. His area of expertise is polymer composites and tribology.

Kawaljit Singh Randhawa

Kawaljit singh Randhawa has completed his M.Tech. from Nirma University, Ahmedabad, and Ph.D. from CHARUSAT University, Changa, Gujarat, India. Currently, he is working as an assistant professor in the mechanical engineering department of CSPIT, CHARUSAT University. He has more than 12 years of experience in the field. His areas of expertise are polymer composites and tribology. He has published many articles on polyamide composites and tribology. He has also undertaken projects on improving the friction and wear resistance of polymer parts in humid environments.