Tribological behaviour of surface modified carbon-fibre-reinforced polyphenylene sulphide under dry condition

Abstract

This study presents a direct electrochemical modification technique for incorporating two specific small molecules, phenol, and aniline into carbon fibre (CF) surface. These molecules have a strong hydrogen bonding for polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) and are intended to improve the friction and wear properties of PPS/CF composites. The tribological properties of PPS/CF composites were evaluated using a pin-on-disc. To get a more thorough comprehension of the working conditions of PPS/CF composites, a comparative examination of the composites' tribological characteristics was carried out by modifying the nature of the opposing surface while keeping the sliding speed of the applied force consistent. The results showed that the addition of 10 mM phenol to carbon fibre results in a significant reduction in the coefficient of friction (COF) compared to carbon fibre treated with 50 mM phenol and 6 mM aniline when in contact with a steel counter-face. When sliding against a polymer counter-face, the composites experienced a reduction in the COF due to the formation of a transfer film rich in PPS. Introducing aniline groups to the fibre surface reduced the wear rate by 57.5% to 46% with applied forces of 25 N compared to PPS and unmodified PPS/CF when sliding against the polymer counter-face. This study thoroughly discusses the synergistic process of chemical modification on the tribological performance of PPS/CF. It also analyses the surface microstructures of the worn surfaces of the composites. This study has the potential to provide new insights into the design and development of CF/polymer composites with enhanced friction and wear properties.