On the SEM features of glass–polyester composite system subjected to dry sliding wear

Abstract

Wear mechanisms of glass fiber reinforced polyester composites subjected to sliding wear for loads ranging from 60 to 300 N at a constant speed (10 mm/s) are studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The friction and wear tests are carried out, in dry conditions, on a newly built pin-on-disc machine with a rotating composite disc and fixed steel pin. The composite disc is cut out of pultruded plates, revealing a specific structure. The classical laws of fiber orientation and their relation to friction can be proven in one single test, while the development of a thin film layer lowers the overall coefficient of friction, with almost 20%. Further on there is a clear relation between the coefficient of friction and the material structure. Also the importance of the fiber orientation and the relation to the wear of the pin sample are clearly shown. The experimental results have shown that there is an existence of noticeable features on the worn surfaces. The use of SEM images in the study of this film formation and in the wear mechanisms of these materials gives an indication of the importance of shear forces on the wear behavior of these materials.