Sliding wear behavior of E-glass-epoxy/MWCNT composites: An experimental assessment

Abstract

This investigation has evaluated the sliding wear properties of E-glass-epoxy/MWCNT (multiwalled carbon nanotube) composite and Epoxy/MWCNT composite. Four different reinforcements (0, 0.5,1 and 1.5 wt %) of MWCNTs are dispersed into an epoxy resin. Design of experiments (DOE) and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) are employed to understand the relationship between control factors (Percentage of reinforcement, Sliding distance, Sliding velocity and Normal load) and response measures (specific wear rate and friction coefficient). The control variables such as sliding distance (300, 600, 900 and 1200 m) and normal loads of 10, 15, 20 and 25 N and at sliding velocities of 1, 2, 3 and 4 m/s are chosen for this study. It is observed that that the specific wear rate and friction coefficient can be reduced by the addition of MWCNTs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to observe the worn surfaces of the samples. Compared with neat epoxy, the composites with MWCNTs showed a lower mass loss, friction coefficient and wear rate and these parameters decreased with the increase of MWCNT percentage. Microscopic investigation of worn out sample fracture surface has revealed that fiber debonding happens when the stresses at the fiber matrix interface exceeds the interfacial strength, causing the fiber to debond from the matrix. The optimum control variables have been derived to reduce both wear and friction coefficient of composites.

Keywords

• E-glass
• MWCNT
• Wear