EVALUATION OF POLYMER COMPOSITES FOR SLIDING AND ABRASIVE WEAR APPLICATIONS

The dry wear behavior of several polymer composite materials sliding aginst smooth steel counterparts was investigated. Wear mechanisms were categorized after microscopic observation of the abraded surfaces into four main areas and their contribution towards the overall wear rate of a composite material was accounted for in a wear model. The contribution from the post-sliding wear mechanisms are not directly measurable and were estimated by employing the wear model. A general comparison was made between the sliding wear rates and previously ascertained severe abrasive wear rates of the materials under consideration. A greater increase in the wear resistances of the matrix materials due to fiber reinforcement was evident under the sliding wear conditions. Wear rate results were referenced to the wear rate of the unfilled epoxy. This database was then utilized in the design of an optimum wear resistant composite material for specified wear conditions.