Enhancement of tribological performance of epoxy bulk composites and composite coatings using micro/nano fillers: a review

Epoxies in the form of bulk and coatings have been used throughout the years for a wide spectrum of applications in various industries ranging from aerospace, oil and gas, petrochemical and marine to several others. Their use in tribological applications, those involving a range of contact conditions and where the requirement is exceptionally low wear and friction coefficient, is often limited by the properties of the pristine epoxy matrix such as low load bearing capacity combined with low thermal conductivity values. These properties have been improved by the addition of nano-fillers, and numerous studies have been carried out in this regard. This paper presents a detailed review of the works carried out in the recent years where addition of nano-fillers to formulate epoxy-based composites and coatings has shown a substantial improvement in wear and friction properties thereby enhancing their potential to be used in demanding tribological applications such as solid lubricant in bearings, as wear-resistant protective coatings in rotating and stationary equipment and for applications in the construction industry such as floorings and airport runway repairs.