Effect of stacking sequence on abrasive wear behavior of abaca natural fiber reinforced polymer composites hybridized with glass fiber

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the tribological behavior of Abaca/Glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composite. Different stacking sequences of Abaca(A) and Glass(G) fiber (AAAA, AGAG, AGGA, GAAG) are reinforced with epoxy polymer for fabrication of hybrid composite structure. Dry sliding abrasive wear characteristics of developed composites is analyzed by pin-on-disc (ASTM G99) test rig. The experiment is operated with different sliding velocities (1, 2, 3 m/s), applied load (10, 20, 30 N) and sliding distance of 2000 m. The experimental result indicates abrasive wear resistance is drastically enhanced with the abaca and glass fiber reinforcement in epoxy composite. Furthermore, least wear is found for AGGA hybrid composite. Morphology of worn surfaces were investigated by SEM analysis that indicates formation of micro crater, micro grooves and micro cracks.