Chopped Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites : Effect of Nanoclay on Adhesive and Abrasive Wear Properties

Abstract

The present work investigates the wear properties of nanoclay-modified carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites when sliding under adhesive and abrasive wear. The specimens were fabricated using epoxy resin, short carbon fiber, and nanoclay filler of 1.0wt%, 3.0wt%, and 5.0wt% content. The wear tests were conducted using pin-on-disc and abrasion resistance test rig for adhesive and abrasive wear condition, respectively. Operating parameters were fixed at 30N load, 300rpm speed and 10km distance for both tests. Pure CFRP composite exhibited lower wear performance compared to pure epoxy in both test conditions. However, with nanoclay incorporation, the wear properties of CFRP composite have improved up to 56% and 44% under adhesive and abrasive wear, respectively. Therefore, the composite reinforced polymer of carbon fiber and nanoclay filler in epoxy matrix provides a synergistic effect under adhesive and abrasive wear conditions. The experimental findings suggest that the CFRP composite has the potential for tribological components and application such as sliding-contact and rolling-contact bearings.