Abstract
Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS
2
) nanomaterials were grown on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) using a one-step hydrothermal method, and the MoS
2
/RGO nanohybrid improved the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of the nano-filling phenolic resin (PF) composites. The results showed that the 2D-laminated MoS
2
was uniformly attached onto the graphene flakes. The as-prepared MoS
2
/RGO nanohybrids had good dispersion and exhibited better friction reduction and wear resistance performance in paraffin oil compared to RGO and MoS
2
nanosheets alone. With good dispersion and high interfacial compatibility in the PF matrix, 0.10 wt% MoS
2
/RGO improved the flexural strength and modulus of PF by 19.6% and 14.7%. And the initial decomposition temperature (T5%) and the residual mass at 800 °C were improved by 20.9% and 12.3%, respectively. With the addition of 0.10 wt% of the MoS
2
/RGO nanohybrid, the friction coefficient and wear rate of the PF nanocomposites decreased by 26.9% and 22.9%, respectively. The wear surface morphology showed that the primary wear mode of the MoS
2
/RGO/PF nanocomposites changed from severe fatigue, adhesive, and abrasive wear for pure PF to slight abrasive wear and adhesive wear. As a uniformly dispersed 2D laminated nanohybrid structure, the MoS
2
/RGO nanohybrid materials could bear more load, automatically repair the defects, and form a complete and stable transfer film on the wear surface. Therefore, the MoS
2
/RGO exhibited synergistic friction reduction and anti-wear effects in the PF nanocomposites. This strategy of graphene-loaded two-dimensional nanomaterials can provide a practical reference for designing polymer-based nanohybrid with excellent comprehensive properties.
Graphical abstract
With good dispersion and strong interfacial bonding in PF matrix, 2D-laminated MoS
2
/RGO nanohybrids have shown enhanced mechanical, thermal, and tribological performance.