Advanced Tribological Performance and Heat Conductivity in Polymer-Based Composites: A Synergistic Approach

Polymer-based self-lubricating composites are a research hotspot in tribology. The self-lubricating polymer-based composites were made by combining boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs)- and polydopamine nanosphere (PDA NS)-loaded reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanoparticle (PDA NS/BNQDs/RGO) and bismaleimide (BMI). The results demonstrated that the mechanical, heat conduction, and tribological performances of composites filled with PDA NS/BNQDs/RGO could be improved. The composite containing 1.0 wt % PDA NS/BNQDs, RGO, and BMI showed a notable boost in heat conductivity (up by a substantial 82.6% over BMI), an impressively low volume loss rate (just 5.2 × 10–6 mm3/N·m), and an average coefficient of friction of 0.17. This is largely due to the stable, heat-conducting, and self-lubricating transfer film that forms during the operation of the metal friction pair. The film exhibits exceptional characteristics due to the collaborative effects of RGO, BNQDs, and PDA NS. Compared with other BMI composites, the system can achieve less doping and significantly improve its wear and tear resistance. This method has crucial guiding significance for improving friction materials’ heat conductivity and abrasion resistance.