Effect of Chopped Carbon Fibers Amount on the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polyester Matrix Composite

Abstract

In this study, the effect of the amount of short carbon fibers (SCFs) on the mechanical and tribological properties of polyester (PES) composite were investigated. Composites were produced with different weight fractions (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) of SCFs by the hand lay-up method. The flexural strength and flexural modulus of samples was studied by conducting 3-point bending tests, whereas the energy-absorbing performance was examined by performing the Izod impact test. Moreover, the wear resistance properties of samples were measured by applying a 20 N load. The scanning electron microscope was used to examine the morphology of broken and worn surfaces of specimens. Test results exhibit the flexural strength and flexural modulus of SCFs reinforced polyester composite was decreased with the increment of fiber contents. However, the same trend was not observed for the impact test. Thus, the addition of 2 wt. % SCFs onto pure polyester improves the energy absorbing of pure polyester nearly by 210%. The present study also reveals the wear resistance properties of SCFs reinforced polyester composites are indirectly related with of SCFs content. Hence, the highest wear resistance capacity was observed for PES0.5CF of about 1.51×10-3 mm3/m. Therefore, the addition of small amounts of SCFs onto pure polyester attributes significant effects in tribological behaviors compared to mechanical properties.