Microfluidization Preparation of Hybrid Graphene for Enhanced Wear Resistance of Coatings

Qi Chen ^1,2,3, Na Wang ^2,3, Dhandapani Kuzhandaivel ^2,3

⁰College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China.

Polymers +

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April 28, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study introduces silica-graphene hybrid nanoparticles (SiO2@PDA-G) to enhance waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coatings. The new composite coating shows significantly improved wear resistance and mechanical properties for durable leather applications.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Polymer Chemistry

Background

Leather's long-term use depends on wear resistance.
Graphene offers excellent wear resistance, but its effective dispersion in polymers is challenging.
Developing strategies for graphene dispersion is key to enhancing material performance.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a novel method for preparing silica-graphene hybrid nanoparticles (SiO2@PDA-G).
To improve the dispersion of graphene in waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coatings.
To enhance the wear resistance and mechanical properties of WPU-based composite coatings.

Main Methods

Utilized silica modified with polydopamine (SiO2@PDA) as an exfoliation agent.
Employed microfluidization in water to synthesize SiO2@PDA-G nanoparticles from expanded graphite.
Compounded SiO2@PDA-G with WPU and applied to a superfine fiber-based fabric substrate.

Main Results

Microfluidization effectively exfoliated graphite into few-layer graphene.
Nano-silica adsorbed onto graphene surfaces prevented re-aggregation.
The SiO2@PDA-G/WPU composite coating exhibited a 48% decrease in wear rate and a 69% reduction in average friction coefficient.
Tensile strength of the composite coating increased by 83% compared to the neat WPU coating.

Conclusions

The study presents a successful strategy for dispersing graphene in polymer matrices using SiO2@PDA-G nanoparticles.
The developed composite coating demonstrates significantly enhanced abrasion resistance and mechanical strength.
This approach offers a new pathway for creating high-performance, wear-resistant materials.

Keywords:

graphene microfluidization process water-based coating wear resistance