An investigation on the graphitic carbon nitride reinforced polyimide composite and evaluation of its tribological properties

This article presented a novel application for the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), which was used as nanofillers to improve the tribological properties of polyimide (PI). The composite based on PI and g-C3N4 was prepared by mechanical mixing process and hot compression molding process. The characterizations of g-C3N4 and PI/g-C3N4 composites were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Friction and wear tests were carried out using UMT-2 reciprocating tribo-tester against stainless steel ball under dry friction. The results showed that the amount of g-C3N4 was decisive to the tribological properties of PI/g-C3N4 composites. The optimal tribological properties occurred when the amount of g-C3N4 was 10 wt %, which showed the smallest friction coefficient and the lowest wear rate. Furthermore, this work provided an example of application for the g-C3N4 as the excellent nanofiller in polymer matrix composites. (C) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.