Preparation, Properties and Wear Performance Evaluation of Epoxy-Palmyra Fiber Composites

This article presents a parametric analysis of dry sliding wear process undergone by a new class of composite material consisting of epoxy and short palmyra fibers (SPF). It is an attempt to explore the possibility of improving the dry sliding wear resistance of neat epoxy by reinforcing it SPF. Palmyra fiber is an inexpensive, strong, and naturally available fiber derived from the stalks of palmyra leaf. In the present investigation, epoxy-based composites with different weight proportions of SPF (0, 4, 8, and 12 wt%) are fabricated although the simple hand-lay-up route. The tensile, flexural, and micro-hardness properties of the samples are found out which is followed by a FTIR spectroscopy of the samples. The composite samples are then subjected to wear trials using a pin-on-disc test rig as per ASTM G 99-05 test standards under different operating conditions. The effects of various operational variables on the dry sliding wear behavior of these epoxy composites with and without SPF reinforcement are studied. The design of experiments approach using Taguchi's L16 orthogonal array is used for parametric analysis of the wear process. Significant parameters affecting the wear rate of epoxy are identified. This study revealed that while the fiber content and the sliding velocities have significant influence on the wear arte of the composites, the effects of sliding distance and normal load are ignorable. An optimal parameter setting for minimum specific wear rate is obtained. The morphologies of the worn surfaces are examined by scanning electron microscopy and possible wear mechanisms are identified. (C) 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers