Tribological Behaviors of SiO2 Added Polyester Matrix Thermosetting Composites

In this study, the trihological behavior of polyester matrix composites filled with silicon dioxide (SiO2) particles is investigated. The tribological characteristics of pure polyester and 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt% SiO2 filled polyester composites were comparatively evaluated under dry sliding conditions. Wear tests were carried out at room temperature under the loads of 10, 20, and 30 N at the sliding speed of 1 m/s. The wear test results showed that the SiO2 particles could improve the wear resistance. The friction coefficient of the polyester was getting increased from 0.228 to 1.1052 with an increase in SiO2 content depending on applied loads. The results showed that the wear rates of pure polyester and SiO2 filled polyester composites increased with increase in loads. The wear rates of the SiO2 filled polyester composites were significantly affected from the SiO2 content. The wear rate of the polyester changed from 8.0 x 10(-7) mm(3)/m to 1.72 x 10(-5) mm(3)/m depending on SiO2 contents and applied loads.