Tribological Behavior of Composites Obtained by Infiltrating Ti3C2 MXene-Reinforced Epoxy into Ti6Al4V Metal Matrices Fabricated via Metal Additive Manufacturing under Various Environments

Friction and wear are among the primary factors limiting the service life of machine components. In mechanical systems where friction and consequent wear are expected, high-strength alloys such as Ti6Al4V are widely utilized, particularly in aerospace applications. However, as energy efficiency becomes increasingly critical, there is a growing demand for lighter materials with enhanced wear resistance. MXenes, a family of two-dimensional materials, are known for their solid-lubricant properties, which reduce friction and improve wear resistance. In this study, the lightweight and durable characteristics of Ti alloys were combined with the excellent lubricating properties of Ti3C2 MXene by infiltrating Ti3C2-reinforced epoxy resin system (ER) into Ti6Al4V metal matrices with different geometries. The metal matrices were fabricated via selective laser melting and subsequently infiltrated with Ti3C2-reinforced ER. The resulting metal matrix composites were subjected to tribological tests under various environmental conditions, as well as wettability tests. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, while post-wear surfaces were analyzed via profilometer and scanning electron microscopy. Compared to un-groove-textured specimens, groove-textured specimens exhibited a ~ 17% reduction in weight and an approximately 70% increase in wear resistance under dry conditions. Similar significant improvements in wear resistance were observed across all other testing environments.