Nanosheets of MoS2-oleylamine as hybrid filler for self-lubricating polymer composites: Thermal, tribological, and mechanical properties

Polystyrene (PS)/MoS<inf>2</inf>@oleylamine composites were prepared by solvent blending method. Thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of the resulting materials were analyzed as function of the filler concentration. SEM characterization for sample morphology as well as infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measurements were carried out in order to characterize the surface properties and the polymer-filler interactions. It was found that despite the poor compatibility between the MoS<inf>2</inf>@oleylamine nanosheets and the PS matrix, the resulting films present an almost homogeneous dispersion. The PS/MoS<inf>2</inf>@oleylamine composites showed enhanced thermal stability in comparison with neat PS. In addition, the introduction of MoS<inf>2</inf>@oleylamine strongly affects the mechanical properties of the PS matrix, reducing both the glass transition temperature and the elastic modulus. Finally, it was found that the MoS<inf>2</inf>@oleylamine was effective in both reducing friction and increasing wear of PS.