Elevating mechanical and biotribological properties of carbon fiber composites by constructing graphene-silicon nitride nanowires interlocking interfacial enhancement

Carbon fiber reinforced dual-matrix composites (CHM) including carbon fiber reinforced hydroxyapatite-polymer matrix composites (CHM_P) and carbon fiber reinforced hydroxyapatite-pyrolytic carbon matrix composites (CHM_C) have great potential application in the field of artificial hip joints, where a combination of high mechanical strength and excellent biotribological property are required. In this work, the graphene-silicon nitride nanowires (Graphene-Si₃N₄nws) interlocking interfacial enhancement were designed and constructed into CHM for boosting the mechanical and biotribological properties. The graphene and Si₃N₄nws interact with each other and construct interlocking interfacial enhancement. Benefiting from the Graphene-Si₃N₄nws synergistic effect and interlocking enhancement mechanism, the mechanical and biotribological properties of CHM were promoted. Compared with CHM_P, the shear and compressive strengths of Graphene-Si₃N₄nws reinforced CHM_P were increased by 80.0% and 61.5%, respectively. The friction coefficient and wear rate were reduced by 52.8% and 52.9%, respectively. Compared with CHM_C, the shear and compressive strengths of Graphene-Si₃N₄nws reinforced CHM_C were increased by 145.4% and 64.2%. The friction coefficient and wear rate were decreased by 52.3% and 73.6%. Our work provides a promising methodology for preparing Graphene-Si₃N₄nws reinforced CHM with more reliable mechanical and biotribological properties for use in artificial hip joints.