Self-lubricating composites with 2D materials as reinforcement: A new perspective
Seshadev Sahoo
Abstract
In recent years, composite materials have acquired vast potential in the automotive, aerospace, marine and defence sectors due to suitable mechanical and physical properties. On the other hand, these composites limit their application due to the inferior tribological properties. To improve the tribological properties of composite materials, researchers have suggested the introduction of solid lubricants as a reinforcing phase in the matrix phase for the fabrication of composite materials, which will reduce the friction. Apart from different types of solid lubricants, 2D materials such as graphene, WS 2 , and MoS 2 have emerged as novel solid lubricants with a greater potential to reduce friction. The present paper discusses self-lubrication composite materials, types of 2D solid lubricants, and future challenges and opportunities.