Controllable tribological behavior of PNIPAM-graphene oxide nanocomposites at titanium alloy interface

Abstract

In order to improve antiwear properties of the cutting tool for titanium alloy, the temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites were developed in this work. The tribological properties of the titanium alloy/cemented carbide contact lubricated with the PNIPAM-GO nanocomposites were investigated. The results show that the PNIPAM-GO nanocomposites have stable dispersive and controllable lubricating performance. The wear of the titanium alloy decreased and the adhesive behavior was improved with the increase of GO in the nanocomposites. The tribological performances are attributed to both the controllable release of GO sheets from the nanocomposites and the formation of a protective tribofilm. A mechanical mixing submechanism counts for the decrease of friction and wear of titanium alloy/cemented carbide contact lubricated by the nanocomposites.