Enhancement on the tribological properties of poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) by carbon nanotube‐supported graphitic carbon nitride hybrid

Abstract A novel hybrid of carbon nanotube‐supported graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C₃N₄/CNT) was firstly fabricated via facile calcination method, and then filled into poly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK) to prepare self‐lubricating composite film. The microstructure and chemical composition of g‐C₃N₄/CNT hybrid were characterized, and its enhancement on the tribological properties of PPESK was investigated by comparing to pure PPESK and its composite films with g‐C₃N₄ or CNT only. Results showed that g‐C₃N₄ was in situ attached to CNT surface uniformly, which favored for improving the physical and chemical interfacial interaction between fillers and PPESK. Besides, by the incorporation of g‐C₃N₄/CNT, the hardness and elastic modulus of PPESK were improved by 15.05% and 41.75%, respectively. More importantly, PPESK‐g‐C₃N₄/CNT composite film showed the best tribological property among PPESK composite films. Its friction coefficient and wear rates were 65.5% and 84.1% lower than those of pure PPESK, as a result of good dispersion and interfacial action, as well as synergism between CNT and g‐C₃N₄. Based on the worn surface analysis, the enhancement mechanism of g‐C₃N₄/CNT was proposed.