Abstract
The wear of epoxy resins reinforced with either of two strongly different types of graphite fibre was studied, in a pin-disc sliding contact wear tester. Composites reinforced (62 per cent by volume) with low modulus, high strength circular fibre (Modmor II) exhibited high wear resistance (threshold wear load∼ 1 kg, maximum bearing load ∼ 5 kg, wear coefficient ∼ 10 −6) when worn by hardened (y ∼ 400 ksi) 52100 steel pins. However, the composite produced extreme abrasion on the steel counter face. Composites reinforced (62 per cent by volume) with high modulus, lower strength, non-circular fibre (GY70) also exhibited high wear resistance (threshold wear load ∼ 1/4 kg, maximum bearing load ∼ 2 kg, wear coefficient ∼ 10 −6) when worn by 52100 steel. However, these composites developed a surface film which prevented abrasion at the steel counter face. Potential applications of the two different types of fibre reinforcement in bearings are discussed. Advantages of these composites in bearings subject to corrosion, vibration, loss of lubrication, or impact, are noted.
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