Enhanced Mechanical and Wear Performance of Epoxy/glass Composites with PTW/Graphite Hybrid Fillers

Abstract

Epoxy/glass composite containing two different micro-fillers was developed by vacuum bagging technique. The effect of ceramic whisker (7.5 wt%) and solid lubricant filler (2.5 wt%) on mechanical and dry sliding wear behavior of epoxy/glass composites was studied. The mechanical property characterization included evaluations of tensile, flexural and impact properties as per ASTM standards. The dry sliding wear tests were conducted on pin-on-disc arrangement with steel disc as counterface. Experimental results indicated that single incorporation of ceramic whisker can improve stiffness, friction coefficient and anti- wear abilities of epoxy/glass composites significantly. The strength properties of composites were slightly reduced after whisker addition. However, incorporation of solid lubricant as secondary filler resulted in improvement of both mechanical and tribological properties of composites. It was also found that tribological properties of filled epoxy/glass composites were closely related with sliding conditions such as applied load and sliding velocity. The deformation and failure mechanisms under tensile loading and dry sliding were investigated using SEM photographs.