ABSTRACT
Most of the mechanical and tribological properties of electrospun fiber fabrics are of paramount importance to their utility as components in a large number of applications. Post-spin heat treatment assisted with pressure was used to modify the properties of the electrospun fabrics and to activate the high surface energy. HRTEM showed a formation of graphitic structure with 9.5 nm crystallite size which calculated from Raman breathing modes. Hot-pressed MWCNTs/Carbon fabrics with 130 nm ± 32 nm fibril diameter showed an outstanding flexibility and strength. Also, adding MWCNTs improved tensile strength (from 40 to 60MPa), coefficient of friction (from 0.5 to 0.15) and abrasive mass loss (as low as 0.2 mg has been achieved). The hot-pressed electrospun MWCNTs/Carbon nanofibril composite fabrics can be used, by controlling MWCNTs wt%, as a good candidate for both journal bearings (C.O.F. below 0.4 is required) and braking pads (C.O.F. from 0.4 to 0.7 are required).