MXene decorated hierarchical phase change microcapsules to strengthen the tribological properties of PPS/PTFE fabric composites.

The reduction of the wear rate and friction coefficient of composites simultaneously has a great challenge. Herein, a unique phase change microcapsule is designed with n-docosane as the core, TiO 2 coated with sodium alginate as the shell, as well as surface-decorated Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets. In this microcapsule system, n-docosane absorbs part of the frictional heat via solid-liquid phase change and releases it continuously to achieve self-lubrication. The TiO 2 shell possesses excellent load-bearing capacity and Ti 3 C 2 T x is susceptible to interlayer slip, which reduces the friction and wear of fabric composites. The results indicate that an average wear rate and friction coefficient of fabric composites are decreased by 60.85 % and 11.83 % with the addition of microcapsules. A strong and continuous tribofilm is formed on the steel surface, and the tribofilm enhances the boundary lubrication of the steel counterpart. This paper is expected to provide a novel design thought for the application of core-shell structure in tribology. • The MXene decorated hierarchical phase change microcapsules are designed. • The phase change microcapsules exhibit excellent lubrication. • An average wear rate and friction coefficient of reinforced fabric composites are decreased by 60.85 % and 11.83 %. • The reinforced fabric composites generate strong tribofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]