Evaluation of tribological performance of copper-based composites containing nano-structural 2D materials and their hybrid

The current investigation is aimed at evaluating and comparing the tribological performance of Cu-based composites containing a fixed amount standalone 2D layered materials (MoS2 and reduced graphene oxide; rGO) and their hybrid rGO-MoS2. The study also intends to explore the role of electronic work function of the 2D reinforcements in affecting the tribological performance of the composites. Results indicate that friction and antiwear properties of composites are governed by inherent lubrication properties of reinforcement fillers, interfacial interaction of cooper matrix with reinforcement phase, and the electronic work function (EWF). The study is expected to open up new directions in developing hybrid 2D materials as potential solid lubricants for fabricating metal based self-lubricating composites with improved tribological performance.