Tribological and Mechanical Behaviour of Epoxy/Nanoclay Composites

Due to the nature and availability of nanoclay material, its application as reinforcement of composite materials is well justified. In this work, organo-montmorillonite filler with an epoxy resin matrix was characterised, regarding its mechanical and tribological behaviour. The influence of water ageing was analysed concerning its mechanical properties. Tribological tests were performed in dry and water lubricated environments. The mechanical properties of both the epoxy resin and composite specimens tend to decrease with water ageing. The negative influence of particle agglomeration was verified in the mechanical and tribological properties, especially with high content of filler material.