Enhancing thermal and tribological properties of fiber‐reinforced resin‐based composites with carbon nanomaterial coatings

Abstract Fiber‐reinforced resin‐based composites (FRC) are often used as core materials in vehicle transmission systems, facilitating power transfer and clutch shifting in transmissions. To meet the demands for higher thermal and tribological performance under harsh conditions, the effects of varying coating amounts of Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), Carbon nanofiber (CNFs), and graphene (GNPs) on composite properties were investigated. The three carbon nanomaterials filled the surface pores of the composites, increasing surface hardness by 0.2 ~ 7.5%, in‐plane thermal conductivity by 7.1 ~ 222.4%, and delaying the thermal degradation peak by 1.1 ~ 9.0°C. Fibrous carbon nanomaterials improved the tribological performance of the composites. CNFs retained surface porosity, enhancing the friction coefficient by 33.0 ~ 43.3% and reducing the wear rate by 65.2%. CNTs ensured stable friction coefficients while maintaining favorable friction and wear performance. Sheet‐like GNPs, with excellent thermal conductivity and lubrication properties, effectively improved the stability of the friction coefficient and wear resistance. The performance of carbon nanomaterial‐coated composites was influenced by the morphology of the nanomaterials and the microstructure of the coated surface. This study provides theoretical insights and design references for the application of carbon nanomaterials in FRC. Highlights Carbon nanomaterials can improve the thermal and tribological performance of FRC. The morphology of carbon nanomaterials determines the properties of FRC. The coating has a great influence on the pore structure of the FRC surface. Fibrous nanomaterials are beneficial for improving the friction coefficient of FRC. Sheet‐like nanomaterials can stabilize the friction coefficient and reduce the wear rate.