Influence of graphite filler on sliding wear resistance of GE composites

The glass woven fabric-epoxy (GE) composites have been fabricated with varying amounts of graphite particulate filler viz., 3, 6 and 9 wt % by hand lay-up method. The effect of graphite content on the sliding wear properties such as wear loss, specific wear rate and coefficient of friction of graphite filled GE composites have been investigated. The experiment was conducted at a constant velocity of 5 m/s and for abrading distance of 1200 m at different applied normal loads viz., 30, 60 and 90 N by using pin-on-disc machine. The lowest wear rate observed in 3wt % graphite filled GE composite. Further increase in filler content beyond 3 wt % in GE composites reduces the wear resistance and increases the specific wear rate. It is also observed that the specific wear rate strongly depends on the applied load. The 3 wt % graphite filler loaded GE composite showed better mechanical performance as compared to other composites. This is attributed to the fact that the dispersion of filler is uniform and adhesion between the matrix and filler is better in 3 wt % loaded GE composite. This result was supported by the SEM studies of worn surface of the composites.

Keywords:

Graphite filler , compression molding , abrading distance , specific wear rate , matrix