Microfluidization Preparation of Hybrid Graphene for Enhanced Wear Resistance of Coatings

TL;DR

This paper explores using microfluidization to create graphene hybrids that improve the wear resistance of leather coatings.

Contribution

A new method using microfluidization and silica to disperse graphene in polymer coatings is introduced.

Findings

The microfluidization process effectively produces few-layer graphene with silica.

The composite coating showed a 48% lower wear rate and 69% lower friction coefficient.

Tensile strength of the coating increased by 83% with the addition of SiO2@PDA-G.

Abstract

Wear resistance is the key factor that affects the long-term use of leather. Graphene has excellent wear resistance properties, but ensuring the effective dispersion of graphene in resin is crucial for determining the performance of the material. In this work, silica modified with polydopamine (SiO2@PDA) was used as an exfoliation agent. Using the microfluidization process and water as the medium, silica-graphene hybrid nanoparticles (SiO2@PDA-G) were prepared from expanded graphite. These nanoparticles were further compounded with waterborne polyurethane (WPU), and a superfine fiber-based fabric was used as the substrate to prepare composite coating. The results showed that the high shear force of the microfluidization process easily broke up the lamellar structure of graphite, resulting in few-layer graphene. Nano-silica was adsorbed on the surface of graphene, preventing re-aggregation between the graphene sheets. Compared to the WPU coating, the presence of SiO2@PDA-G improved the wear resistance and mechanical properties of the coating. The wear rate and the average friction coefficient of the composite coating decreased by 48% and 69%, respectively, and the tensile strength increased by 83%. Therefore, this study provides a new strategy for improving the dispersion of graphene in polymer materials and enhancing the abrasion resistance of the coatings.

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