Ti3C2/Zr-UIO nanohybrid reinforced epoxy composites: Superior tribological and thermomechanical performance

MXenes represent the newest class of two-dimensional materials, known for their exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Combining MXenes with metal-organic frameworks like UIO-66-NH 2 in polymeric coatings can significantly enhance the coatings' performance. In this study, we designed a system based on surface-modified MXene with APTES and UIO-66-NH 2 , combined with epoxy resin, and evaluated its electromagnetic and mechanical properties. The results demonstrated superior mechanical properties for the coatings containing MXene and UIO-66-NH 2 . The UIO-APTES-MXene sample exhibited the highest glass transition temperature (Tg) of approximately 88.1°C compared to 84.6°C for the sample without nanoparticles. Furthermore, the Young's modulus of the coatings was approximately 1402 MPa, compared to around 991 MPa for the pure epoxy sample. Additionally, a 20% increase in stress at the breaking point and a 6.1% increase in energy at the breaking point were observed. In wear resistance tests, a 67% improvement was recorded after 2000 cycles. Moreover, in electromagnetic performance tests, some potential was observed with just 1% nanoparticle content. These improvements can be attributed to the superior mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic properties of the UIO-APTES-MXene system.