Construction of 3D structured MXene-h-BN hybrid via thiol-ene click chemistry to enhance thermal and tribological properties of fabric composites.

MXene has tremendous potential for enhancing thermal and tribological properties of fabric composites. Yet, its susceptibility to stacking and weak interfacial adhesion in organic matrix impedes practical application. Herein, MXene-h-BN hybrids were successfully achieved utilizing facile thiol-ene click reaction to introduce hexagonal boron nitride onto the surface of MXene to construct unique hierarchical structure. h-BN is grafted onto MXene through covalent bonding, effectively boosting interfacial adhesion and dispersion in the resin matrix. The layered MXene-h-BN possesses good lubrication behavior, and h-BN can increase strength and thermal conductivity of the MXene support skeleton. The results demonstrate that the thermal conductivity, tensile and bonding strength of reinforced fabric composites are elevated by 43.28%, 34.25% and 43.75% compared with pure fabric composites, respectively. Additionally, the wear rate of reinforced fabric composites is significantly decreased by 63.44%. This paper will contribute a novel and prospective reinforcement design strategy for click reaction constructed nano-materials in tribology. • h-BN was efficiently and promptly grafted onto the surface of MXene through the thiol-ene click reaction. • The structure of 3D point plane network was constructed. • The thermal conductivity, tensile and bonding strength of fabric composites are enhanced by 43.28%, 34.25% and 43.75%. • The reinforced fabric composites create robust tribofilm and wear rate is reduced by 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]