Modeling and optimization of the tribological properties of an epoxy resin reinforced with nano graphene oxide nano Al2O3/MoS2 particles by RSM

Olfat Ahmed Mahmood; Olfat Ahmed Mahmood

doi:10.3934/matersci.2025052

AIMS Materials Science

2025, Volume 12, Issue 6: 1107-1125. doi: 10.3934/matersci.2025052

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Research article

Modeling and optimization of the tribological properties of an epoxy resin reinforced with nano graphene oxide nano Al₂O₃/MoS₂ particles by RSM

Olfat Ahmed Mahmood

Collage of Sciences, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq

Received: 18 September 2025 Revised: 26 October 2025 Accepted: 31 October 2025 Published: 25 November 2025

The tribological properties of epoxy resin, a thermosetting polymer, were enhanced through the incorporation of nano- and micro-scale fillers. A hybrid composite was developed by dispersing nano-alumina and micro-molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) within an epoxy matrix pre-modified with nano-graphene oxide. Specimen preparation was conducted via a laboratory ball mill, and a response surface methodology was utilized to optimize filler weight fractions. Evaluation via pin-on-disc testing (ASTM G99) under dry sliding conditions verified the improvement in tribological characteristics. The optimal formulation, containing 0.5 wt% graphene oxide, 3.92 wt% nano-alumina, and 3.99 wt% MoS₂, yielded a minimal coefficient of friction (0.12) and a low wear rate (2.3 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/N·m). Furthermore, this composite retained commendable mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 75.4 MPa and a modulus of elasticity of 3.1 GPa.
- nano epoxy,
- nano graphene,
- coefficient of friction,
- wear rate,
- surface response method
Citation: Olfat Ahmed Mahmood. Modeling and optimization of the tribological properties of an epoxy resin reinforced with nano graphene oxide nano Al2O3/MoS2 particles by RSM[J]. AIMS Materials Science, 2025, 12(6): 1107-1125. doi: 10.3934/matersci.2025052

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Abstract

The tribological properties of epoxy resin, a thermosetting polymer, were enhanced through the incorporation of nano- and micro-scale fillers. A hybrid composite was developed by dispersing nano-alumina and micro-molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) within an epoxy matrix pre-modified with nano-graphene oxide. Specimen preparation was conducted via a laboratory ball mill, and a response surface methodology was utilized to optimize filler weight fractions. Evaluation via pin-on-disc testing (ASTM G99) under dry sliding conditions verified the improvement in tribological characteristics. The optimal formulation, containing 0.5 wt% graphene oxide, 3.92 wt% nano-alumina, and 3.99 wt% MoS₂, yielded a minimal coefficient of friction (0.12) and a low wear rate (2.3 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/N·m). Furthermore, this composite retained commendable mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 75.4 MPa and a modulus of elasticity of 3.1 GPa.

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