ABSTRACT
Mechanical systems that comprise the relative movement of solid surfaces are usually affected by the wear phenomenon derived from friction resistances. These tribological responses result in loss of energy efficiency and shortened components’ lifetime. Thereby, the study of strategies to hinder friction has drawn increased attention aiming for more efficient and durable mechanical systems. In order to reduce friction and wear in different applications, from gears to medical implants for joint replacement, layered materials like graphite and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides have been extensively studied. Recently, MXenes, which are 2D nanostructured compounds, appear as promising candidates as antifriction materials due to their high surface area and excellent mechanical properties. The incorporation of MXenes as additives in lubricant oils and as reinforcements in the matrices of polymer nanocomposites demonstrated to be an effective approach for reducing the friction coefficients and increasing wear resistances. In this chapter, the recent experimental and computational work addressing MXenes tribology properties are reviewed. Special attention is given to the development of wear-resistant MXene/polymer nanocomposites and the mechanisms involved on their enhanced antifriction performances.
