Effect of Atomic Oxygen Irradiation on the Structural and Tribological Properties of the MoS₂/Al₂O₃/PI Composites

Abstract:

Polyimide (PI) composites have been widely used in a space science due to extraordinary properties, such as excellent mechanical and electrical properties, good thermal stability and chemical inertness, as well as high wear resistance. However, atomic oxygen (AO), as one of the main radiated constituents in low earth orbit, had an important influence on the structrural and tribological properties of the polyimide matrix. To investigate the mechanism of AO erosion on polyimide, MoS₂/Al₂O₃/PI composites were fabricated by means of a hot-press molding technique and irradiated by AO in a ground-based simulation system. The chemical composition change of the irradiated surface was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Then, the friction and sliding wear behavior against GCr15 steel balls were evaluated in a ground-based simulation facility using ball-on-disk tribology test rig. The worn morphologies and radiated surfaces of the materials were observed by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) to reveal the wear mechanism. Experimental analysis indicated that oxidation induced by AO irradiation and degradation of PI molecular chains on the composite’ surface results in change in chemical composition and formation of “carpet-like” structures. Affected layer, gradually formed during the process of irradiation, plays an important role for wear performance of the materials increasing friction coefficient and wear rate. Incorporation of Al₂O₃ nanofibers and MoS₂ nanoparticles is shown to be favourable for AO resistance, which is helpful for improvement in wear resistance of the PI.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 674)
• Pages: 239-243
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.674.239
• Online since: January 2016
• Authors: Gai Zhao*, Qi Hua Wang, Irina Hussainova, Qing Jun Ding
• Keywords: Alumina Nanofibers, Atomic Oxygen Irradiation, Friction, Polyimide, Wear

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