3D printed Ti3C2Tx MXene/carbon fibers reinforced SiOC periodical lattice structures towards superior lubrication performance

Minimizing friction and wear of advanced ceramic materials has attracted considerable attention in the high-end equipment manufacturing applications. Despite significant progress in this field, realizing stable high lubrication under macroscopic dry sliding conditions remains a challenge. Herein, by utilizing 3D printing technology, the ceramic based self-lubricating composites with low friction, high lubrication stability and ideal mechanical strength were developed through introducing microscale assembled Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/carbon fibers (MXene/C f ) network into macroscale periodical lattice silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) structures. The octet-truss MXene/C f /SiOC periodical lattice structure (MCSO) exhibits the largest compressive strength of 56.11 MPa, the highest Young's modulus of 40.87 GPa and a maximum energy absorption of 44.78 kJ⸱m -3 . More impressively, MCSO achieves a minimum average friction coefficient of about 0.14 under a normal load of 1 N and a frequency of 1 Hz, while remains at a low and stable value of approximately 0.26 under 5 N, 5 Hz and 18000 sliding cycles. The high mechanical support and wear debris capture provided by the octet-truss periodical lattice structure, as well as the structure damage suppression and continuous lubrication effect driven by internal MXene/C f , contribute to such excellent lubrication durability. The demonstrated strategy offers an attractive pathway for the design of high-performance lubrication devices operating under harsh conditions.