Preparation of biomimetic reinforced modified carbon fiber composites and study of their friction properties

Because aluminum-based parts cannot be used for long-term applications in large load-wear environments, nickel–tungsten (molybdenum disulfide)/carbon fiber/aluminum composites were successfully prepared in this study for that purpose. By adjusting the plating solution ratio, nickel–tungsten was used as a carrier to introduce molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles, forming a nickel–tungsten/molybdenum disulfide composite coating on the surface of carbon fibers. To enhance the interfacial bonding strength between the carbon fiber and aluminum matrix, a laser was employed to induce the formation of a honeycomb-like structure on the surface of the aluminum base. This increased the contact area between the carbon fiber, aluminum matrix, and epoxy resin adhesives, forming a nickel–tungsten (molybdenum disulfide)/carbon fiber/aluminum composite material. The performance of this composite material was tested and analyzed. The results demonstrated that compared with the carbon fiber/aluminum composite material, the shear strength of the nickel–tungsten (molybdenum disulfide)/carbon fiber/aluminum composite material was increased by 129.7%, and the friction coefficient and wear rate were reduced by 54.8% and 83%, respectively. Next, investigation of the mechanism underlying the honeycomb structure's contribution to the adhesive strength of the composites and their resistance to shear load revealed that the wear-resistant mechanism of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles reinforced the nickel–tungsten composite coatings. The preparation and study of nickel–tungsten (molybdenum disulfide)/carbon fiber/aluminum composites provide a reference for expanding the applications of aluminum-based composite materials to meet the service requirements of complex environments.