ZnO Interlayer Enhanced High Temperature Tribological Properties of Fabric/Bismaleimide Composites

ABSTRACT High‐temperature‐resistant polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/meta‐aramid (Nomex) fabric‐reinforced resin composites with self‐lubricating properties are of increasing importance in aerospace and other advanced industrial applications, including the booming humanoid robot. However, the high surface inertness of the fabric and poor interfacial compatibility with resin severely compromise tribological performance. Here, we strategically employ a two‐stepped seed solution induction and precursor low‐temperature hydrothermal growth method to grow ZnO in situ on PTFE/Nomex surface, and construct the ZnO interlayer modified fabric/bismaleimide (BMI) composites. The effects of ZnO growth conditions on the fabric and composite properties in terms of surface, interface, and high‐temperature tribological performance are systematically investigated. It is found that the ZnO interlayer grown at specific seed and precursor concentrations significantly enhances the surface wettability, hardening action, and interfacial bonding through the mechanical interlocking effect. These promote a stronger bearing capacity and a more uniform distribution of contact stress. Tribological tests at 240°C demonstrate that the modified system exhibits maximum and average friction coefficients of 0.24 and 0.05, respectively. The wear rate is low as 1.1 × 10 ⁻¹⁴ m ³ /(N·m), representing a 92.8% reduction compared to the unmodified counterpart. The findings provide an effective interfacial strengthening strategy for the development of high‐performance solid‐state self‐lubricating composites.