Abrasive Wear Performance of Jute–Glass–Carbon-Reinforced Composites: Effect of Stacking Sequence and Fibers Relative Amounts

Abstract

In the present study, water absorption and its subsequent effect on abrasive wear performance of jute–glass–carbon-reinforced composites have been investigated. Nine laminates were fabricated in inter–ply configuration with hand lay–up technique. To evaluate water absorption effect, the prepared composite specimens were immersed in distilled water for 60 days. The effects of the reinforcement hybridization, fibers relative amounts, and stacking sequence on abrasive wear performance for aged and un-aged specimens were investigated using a pin-on-disk wear tester at different normal loads and sliding times. Results indicated that hybridizing glass-reinforced composite with jute and/or carbon fabrics improves the wear resistance of the resulting composite. Stacking sequence has a slight effect on wear resistance whilst fibers relative amounts have a visible effect. Water uptake induces a noticeable decrease in the wear resistance of the studied composites. With increasing the applied normal load and the sliding time, the wear resistance of the composites decreases. SEM observations for worn surfaces display fiber-matrix debonding, multiple cracks, fiber fracture, fiber pull out, debris formation and wear scars.

Keywords

• hybrid composites
• abrasive wear
• jute
• glass
• carbon
• water absorption