Effect of titanium dioxide (Tio2) nanoparticles on the wear rate of marine journal bearings made of composite materials

• An innovative design of a hybrid composite material combining chopped glass and carbon fibers with titanium dioxide nanoparticles within an epoxy matrix for marine journal bearing applications. • The optimized composition (1.5% Tio₂ + 4% chopped glass fibers + 4% chopped carbon fibers) improved wear resistance by up to 57.45% and reduced the coefficient of friction by up to 65%, according to ASTM tests. • A statistical regression analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between the reinforcing components and the tribological performance of the specimen (R² = 0.97), supporting the reliability of the results. • Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed the structural homogeneity of the optimized specimen and the uniform distribution of fibers and nanoparticles within the matrix. • The developed material demonstrates its potential to replace conventional materials in marine bearings, offering high durability and operational stability under harsh environmental conditions. In marine applications, journal bearings are vital components that face wear and friction challenges under harsh operating conditions. In this research, composite materials based on epoxy resin reinforced with chopped glass and carbon fibers, supplemented with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles at weight percentages (1%, 1.5%, and 2%), were developed. Sixteen composite samples were prepared and tested according to ASTM standards to evaluate performance under loads of 10 and 15 N. Results showed that the best performance was achieved when 1.5% Tio₂ was added with 4% glass fibers and 4% carbon fibers, with wear rates reduced by 54.4% and 57.45%, and friction coefficient improved by 65% ​​and 64.8% at loads of 10 and 15 N, respectively. In contrast, increasing the Tio₂ concentration to 2% resulted in performance degradation due to particle agglomeration. To support the results, a statistical regression analysis was conducted, revealing a strong and significant relationship between the variables. The coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.974, indicating that the model explained 97.4% of the variance in the data. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was also used to analyze the microstructure and particle distribution, and the images confirmed the optimal homogeneity of the sample and the effectiveness of the fiber and nanoparticle distribution in enhancing performance.