Comparison of micro- and macro-tribological properties of carbon composites reinforced by vapor-grown carbon fibers

Abstract

Carbon composites were prepared from furan resins filled with vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCFs). The resistances and densities of the composites, affected by the adhesion between the matrix and VGCFs, remained almost constant with VGCF concentration. The micro- and macro-friction coefficients of the composites were measured using a friction force microscope and pin-on-drum tribology apparatus, respectively. With increasing VGCF concentration, the micro-friction coefficients of the matrix increased, thereby reflecting an increase in roughnesses. In contrast, the micro-friction coefficients of the interfaces between the matrix and VGCF, with changes strongly correlated with the macro-friction coefficients of the composites, remained almost constant.