Study on the Tribological Properties of Micro-Al2O3 Modified Carbon Fiber Hybrid-Reinforced Polymer

Abstract

Micro-sized Al2O3-modified carbon fiber hybrid reinforced polymer composites (CFHRP) were prepared using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process, and friction and wear tests were performed on an MRTR-1 multifunctional friction and wear tester to study the effect of carbon fiber surface doping with trace amounts of Al2O3 and its content on the tribological properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. The surface morphology of the composite material was characterized using a three-dimensional confocal laser scanning microscope (LSM). The results showed that under dry friction conditions, the wear behavior of the composite material with micro-Al2O3 added was mainly abrasive wear and adhesive wear. Under the condition of water lubrication, the friction coefficient of the composite material with micro-Al2O3 added was higher than that of the carbon fiber/epoxy resin-based composite material without Al2O3, and the abrasive wear and adhesive wear were significantly reduced. In addition, under the condition of water lubrication, the cooling and boundary lubrication of water played a dominant role in the tribological behavior, so the influence of transfer film on the tribological behavior of the composite material was smaller than that under dry friction conditions. When the micro alumina content is 6%, the friction and wear reduction of CFHRP composite material are improved under water containing conditions. Under dry friction conditions, the content of micrometer alumina has a minimal effect on the change in friction coefficient.