Tribological properties of nanoclay reinforced polyimide nanocomposite coatings for alloy steels

A new process was developed to deposit uniform Montmorillonite nanoclay reinforced polyimide nanocomposite coating on alloy steels. The nanoclay particles were successfully dispersed in N, N-Dimethylacetamide using a combination of magnetic stirring, soaking, and ultrasonic agitation. It was found that the uniform and crack-free coating can be achieved. The tribological tests indicated that the nanocomposite coating has good adhesion to alloy steels, good load carrying capacity, relatively low friction, and wear. This nanocomposite is a promising material for some offshore, aerospace, and automotive structures that are subjected to sliding contact in corrosive environment