Mechanical and tribological properties of carbon fabric composites filled with several nano-particulates

The carbon fabric composites filled with the particulates of nano-SiO₂, nano-TiO₂, and nano-CaCO₃, respectively, were prepared by dip-coating of the carbon fabric in a phenolic resin containing the particulates to be incorporated and the successive curing. The friction and wear behaviors of the resulting carbon fabric composites sliding against AISI-1045 steel in a pin-on-disc configuration were evaluated on a Xuanwu-III high temperature friction and wear tester. The tensile strength and adhesion strength of the filled carbon fabric composites were determined on a DY35 universal materials test machine. The morphologies of the worn surfaces of the unfilled and filled carbon fabric composites and the transfer films on the counterpart steel pins were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy, and the elemental plane distributions on the transfer films were analyzed with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDAX). It was found that the nano-particles as the fillers contributed to significantly improve the mechanical properties and wear-resistance of the carbon fabric. Nano-CaCO₃ as the filler was the most effective in increasing the wear-resistance, while nano-SiO₂ was the most effective in increasing the friction-reducing ability and mechanical properties. This was because the nano-particulates as the fillers contributed to enhance the bonding strength between the carbon fabric and the adhesive resin. Moreover, the friction and wear properties of the carbon fabric composites were closely dependent on the characteristics of the transfer films formed on the counterpart steel pin surfaces and on the environmental temperature as well. Namely, the differences in the wear-resistance of various filled carbon fabric composites were related to the differences of their transfer films on the counterpart steel pin surface. The wear rates of the composites at elevated temperature above 180 °C were much larger than that below 180 °C, which was attributed to the degradation and decomposition of the adhesive resin at excessively elevated temperature.     

Mechanical and tribological properties of phenolic resin-based friction composites filled with several inorganic fillers

The calcined petroleum coke (CPC), talcum powder (TP) and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) were used as the friction modifiers to improve the mechanical and tribological properties of phenolic resin-based friction composites (the resin matrix was coded as PHE). Thus the composites filled with the inorganic particulates of laminar structures were prepared by compression molding. The hardness and bending strength of the friction composites were measured. The tribological properties of the composites sliding against cast iron were evaluated using a pin-on-disc test rig. The morphologies of the worn surfaces of the composites and the transfer films on the counterpart cast iron disc were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy, and the elemental plane distributions on the transfer films were analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA). It was found that the friction composites of different compositions showed different friction and wear behaviors, which was highly dependent on the volume fractions of the friction modifiers in the composites. Namely, the inclusion of CPC, h-BN, and TP at a volume fraction of 10% helped to greatly increase the bending strength and wear resistance of the composites, and in these cases the coefficients of friction for the composites were ranged within 0.43–0.47. In particular, the PHE-based composite with 10% h-BN had excellent friction stability at various testing conditions and showed the best wear resistance above 125 °C, which was attributed to the formation of a compact friction film (third-body-layer) on the rubbing surface of the composite and of a durable transfer film on the rubbing surface of the counterpart cast iron. The PHE-based composite with 10% CPC showed the best wear resistance below 125 °C, which was ascribed to the same reasons mentioned above. The different actions of various friction modifiers in terms of their effects on the friction and wear behavior of the phenolic resin-based friction composites could be related to their different bonding strengths with the resin matrix and their different abilities to form friction films (third-body-layer) on the surfaces of the composites and transfer films on the counterpart cast iron surface as well.     

A correlation between the tribological and mechanical properties of short carbon fibers reinforced PEEK materials with different fiber orientations

In this work the effect of fiber orientation on the mechanical and tribological properties of SCF (short carbon fibers)/PTFE (poly-tetra-fluor-ethylene)/graphite filled PEEK (poly-ether-ether-keton) composites was studied. The composites were manufactured by using injection molding technique. Mechanical and tribological experiments were conducted to measure the compression modulus, compression strength and wear resistance. A correlation of the tribological and mechanical properties considering different fiber orientations was studied. Additionally to the fiber orientation influence, the wear resistance under low and high pressures was examined. The results analyses, based on scratch experiments and scanning electron microscope (SEM) inspections explain how the fiber orientation influences the mechanical performance and the tribological properties of the considered materials.     

High speed tribological properties of graphite fiber/ Cu-Sn matrix composites

High speed dry friction experiments of graphite fiber/Cu-Sn matrix composites against steel were conducted at sliding velocities up to 235 m s^?1. The composite samples were prepared by the method of liquid metal infiltration. It has been determined that the friction coefficient and the wear rate depend on the amount of tin in the matrix, orientation of fibers relative to the sliding surface, the sliding velocity, the graphite grain size and the degree of liquid metal infiltration within the fibers. The increase in tin content leads to a decrease in both friction and wear due to an increase in matrix hardness. Specimens tested with the fibers oriented perpendicular to the sliding surface exhibit better frictional behavior than those with fibers parallel to the sliding surface. Both friction coefficient and wear rate reach a minimum value at a velocity between about 120 and 180 m s^?1. Large graphite grain size and poor liquid metal infiltration within the fibers have a detrimental effect on wear.     

Development and tribological behaviour of UHMWPE filled epoxy gradient composites

In this study, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) filled epoxy gradient composites have been developed. Samples were prepared for different centrifugation time periods. SEM and optical microstructures confirmed the graded dispersion of UHMWPE particles in the epoxy matrix. Quick estimation of gradient characteristics has been done by abrasive wear measurements. Sliding wear tests were conducted by using a pin-on-disc machine. The sliding wear rate of composites reduced on increasing centrifugation time. Reduction in sliding wear rate in UHMWPE filled epoxy gradient composites has been attributed to the reduction of tensile contact stresses as a result of the lubricating effect of UHMWPE's smooth surface and highly entangled chain structure of UHMWPE.     

The tribological properties of PTFE filled with thermally treated nano-attapulgite

The nano-attapulgite powder was treated by heating at 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 and 800 °C for 2 h in a muffle furnace. PTFE composites were prepared by compression molding PTFE and thermally treated nano-attapulgite. The friction and wear tests were performed on a block-on-ring wear tester. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDS) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were utilized to investigate material microstructures and examine modes of failure. Experimental results showed that under all experimental conditions there was no significant change in coefficient of friction, but the wear rate of PTFE composites was orders of magnitude less than that of pure PTFE under same experimental conditions. Moreover, thermally treated attapulgite was superior to untreated attapulgite in enhancing the wear resistance of PTFE. In addition, the wear resistance increased monotonically with increasing treated attapulgite concentration. Hardness analysis revealed the hardness of PTFE composites increased with increasing content of treated attapulgite. Investigation of transfer film and analysis of debris for PTFE and its composites showed that thermally treated nano-attapulgite filled to PTFE could facilitate formation of transfer film on the steel ring surface and inhibit breakage of PTFE molecular chain. The composites with higher heat absorption capacity exhibited improved wear resistance. Furthermore, the steel ring counterface abrasion was not found.     

Comparison of tribological behavior of nylon composites filled with zinc oxide particles and whiskers

Mechanical properties and tribological behavior of nylon composites filled with zinc oxides were investigated in this paper. Different effects of ZnO particles and ZnO whiskers filling on the friction and wear behavior of nylon 1010 (PA1010) composites under dry friction condition were observed. The hardness, tensile strength and scratch coefficients of two kinds of nylon composites filled with the ZnO particles and whiskers were measured. Experimental results show that ZnO particles and ZnO whiskers improve the mechanical and tribological properties of nylon composites without affecting the crystallinity of nylon matrix. Hardness, tensile strength and scratch coefficient of composites are increased by the addition of ZnO particles and ZnO whiskers. Filler shape has little effect on the friction coefficients of nylon-based composites. These composites filled with particles and whiskers have nearly the same friction coefficients which locate between 0.4 and 0.45. The wear rates of composites are strongly dependent on filler shape and filler content. Particle-filled composites exhibit the lower wear rates than whisker-filled composites when the content of filler is lower than 10 wt.%. After that, the case is reversed. Ploughing and adhesion are the main wear mechanisms of composites with the addition of both ZnO particles and ZnO whiskers.     

Mechanical and tribological properties of short-fiber-reinforced SiC composites

The short-carbon-fiber-reinforced SiC (C_sf/SiC) composites were prepared by hot-pressing sintering with Si, Al and B as sintering additives. The effects of fiber volume fraction on the mechanical and tribological properties of the C_sf/SiC composites were investigated. The results show that the bending strength values of the composites containing a certain content of the short carbon fibers are higher than that of the monolithic SiC. The friction coefficients of the composites decrease with increasing short carbon fibers content. Except of the composite containing 53 vol% short carbon fibers, the wear rates of the composites decrease with increasing short carbon fibers content, and are lower than that of the monolithic SiC drastically.     

Synthesis and evaluation of mechanical and high temperature tribological properties of in-situ Al-TiC composites

In situ Al-TiC (5, 10 and 15 wt%) composites were produced by using a reaction mixture of K₂TiF₆ and graphite powder with molten metal. The effect of ceramic particulate addition on the high temperature sliding wear resistance of the composites was studied. The sliding wear tests were conducted at room temperature, 120 and 200 °C. The wear rate increases with the increase in applied load and decreases with increase in the weight percentage of TiC. Both monolithic and composites were able to withstand thermal softening effects due to the formation of oxidative protective transfer layer.     

A study of the thermal,dynamic mechanical,and tribological properties of polyphenylene sulfide composites reinforced with carbon nanofibers

The thermal, dynamic mechanical, and tribological properties of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composites reinforced with carbon nanofiber (CNF) were studied. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the viscoelastic properties and thermal transitions. In order to study the tribological properties, friction and wear tests in a pin-on-disk configuration were performed. The changes in melting point, crystallization temperature, and glass transition temperature were found to be small as a result of reinforcement. Steady state wear rates of the reinforced composites sliding against the counterface of roughness 0.13–0.15 μm Ra were significantly lower than that of the unreinforced PPS. When the composites were tested against the smoother counterface of 0.06–0.11 μm Ra, the wear rates were higher. The coefficient of friction in all the cases was not practically affected by the presence of CNF. The transfer films formed on the counterface during sliding were examined by optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The variation of wear is discussed in terms of the texture and topography of transfer film.     

Nanostructure of interlayers in different Nicalon fibre/glass matrix composites and their effect on mechanical properties

Interlayer phenomena, revealed by high-voltage electron microscopy (HVEM) and high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM), are presented as they occur in various SiC(Nicalon) fibre-reinforced Duran glass composites (differing in the specific sol-gel supported production processes). Their dependence on the production parameters and their influence on the materials properties are discussed, taking into account the results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) in situ tensile tests. Besides graphitic carbon, textured to a variable degree and influencing the tensile behaviour, oxycarbide formation is indicated. A reactive matrix additive, such as, e.g. TiO₂, resulted in a decrease in strength and a brittle behaviour, while the addition of ZrO₂ markedly improves the mechanical properties.     

Study on the tribological behaviors of the phenolic composite coating filled with modified nano-TiO2

In order to overcome the disadvantages generated by the loosened nanoparticle agglomerates dispersed in polymer composite coatings, nano-TiO₂ particles are modified using trifluoracetic acid. The friction and wear properties of the phenolic coatings filled with different surface treated nano-TiO₂, sliding against AISI-C-52100 steel ring under dry sliding, were investigated on a MHK-500 wear tester. Owing to the effective improvement of their dispersibility in the phenolic coating, compared with the cases of untreated nano-TiO₂, the employment of modified nano-TiO₂ provided the phenolic coating with much better tribological performance. Worn surfaces of the untreated nano-TiO₂ or modified nano-TiO₂ filled phenolic coating and transfer films formed on the surface of the counterpart ring sliding against the composite coating were respectively investigated by SEM and optical microscope (OM), from which it is assumed that the optimal content of TiO₂ or TF-TiO₂ is able to enhance the adhesion of the transfer films to the surface of counterpart ring. As a result, the wear resistance of the phenolic composite coating filled with modified nano-TiO₂ was significantly enhanced, especially at extreme wear conditions, i.e. high contact pressures.     

Investigation of mechanical and tribological properties of tribo‐layer of Ni3Al matrix composites

The sliding wear of Ni₃Al matrix composites with addition of 1.5 wt.% graphene nanoplates was studied through pin‐on‐disc wear testing. The spontaneous formation of a tribo‐layer produced during sliding wear was found to result in a deviation from Archard scaling and an unexpected high wear resistance that was not based on hardness alone. The tribo‐layer exhibited specific microstructural evolution with significant severe deformation and grain refinement after wear. In the grain refinement area, the accumulation of dislocations and an increase in misorientations were found to lead to strain hardening. For the plastic deformed area, reduction in the dislocation density inside the elongated ultrafine grains reduced strain hardening compared with the grain refinement area. It can be concluded that the deviation from Archard scaling occurred primarily as a result of the microstructural evolution of the tribo‐layer, resulting in the specific performance of mechanical and tribological properties of Ni₃Al matrix composites under cyclic sliding wear process. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preliminary studies of the influence of cryo‐treatment on the mechanical and tribological properties of ptfe and composites

Cryogenic treatment of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has proved beneficial in improving the abrasive wear resistance of several polymers, and it was thus assessed in an adhesive wear mode, as well. Preliminary investigations on the effect of cryogenic treatment on the tribological properties, in adhesive wear mode, and mechanical properties of neat PTFE and it composites filled with bronze or short glass fibres (GF) were carried out. It was found that, although the improvement in the wear and friction performance of neat PTFE and a GF + PTFE composite was significant, no such positive effect was observed for the bronze + PTFE composite. On the contrary, this composite showed a deterioration in performance. The reason behind the improvement in the tribological behaviour of neat PTFE and the GF + PTFE composite could not be clearly understood. However, it was confirmed that, if the treatment adversely affected the mechanical properties, then the tribological performance also deteriorated. An examination of the worn surface of the material and the counterface disc using a scanning electron microscope revealed changes in the microstructure due to the treatment. It was also confirmed from these SEM studies that the compatibility of bronze and PTFE was very poor, which led to poor performance of the composite both in the untreated and the cryo‐treated form. Further detailed investigation and analysis of various materials and composites, however, are necessary to establish the utility of this technique.     

Effect of rare earth solution on mechanical and tribological properties of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyimide composite

Rare earth solution (RES) surface modification and air-oxidation methods were used to improve the interfacial adhesion of the carbon fiber reinforced polyimide (CF/PI) composite. The mechanical and tribological properties of the PI composites reinforced by the carbon fibers treated with different surface modification methods were comparatively investigated. Results showed that both the strength parameters (tensile and flexural) of the CF/PI composites improved remarkably due to RES treatment along with enhancement in friction and wear performance.     

Effects of carbon fillers on the tribological and mechanical properties of an epoxy-based polymer (SU-8)

SU-8, an epoxy-based negative photoresist polymer, is highly suitable for making micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structures. Despite fabrication advantages, its bulk mechanical and tribological properties are the main limitations for application as MEMS material. Carbon filler materials such as graphene, graphite and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) are added to SU-8 for tribological and mechanical property enhancements. SU-8/(5 wt%) graphite composite has performed better for the steady-state coefficient of friction at all loads including for the speed effect. SU-8/(5 wt%) MWCNT has shown excellent wear resistance. At 10 wt% graphite content, SU-8/graphite is superior in tribological performance to other composites tested.     

镍合金增强MoS2基自润滑复合材料的组织与摩擦学性能

本文以Ｎｉ－Ｃｒ高温合金粉的ＭｏＳ２粉为原料，用热压法制成了镍合金增强ＭｏＳ２基自润滑复合材料，借助Ｘ射线衍射仪和扫描电镜，分析了材料的组织结构；用ＳＲＶ高温摩擦磨损试验机考察也材料在室温和２５０℃时的摩擦学性能。试验结果表明，Ｎｉ－Ｃｒ合金易与ＭｏＳ２反应，生成结构复杂的Ｃｒ（Ｎ）Ｍｏ２Ｓ４相。该反应物在室温下表现出较好的转移润滑特性，但在２５０ ℃时明显谈判。因此，要保证复合材料在室温和２５０     

Correlation of some mechanical properties of embedding resins with their behaviour in microtomy

The technology of ultramicrotomy is now well established, but the properties of the resin that determine the different forces needed to generate a section have been neglected, although this process could introduce artefacts in the thin sections. We have investigated the principal resin dependent factors involved in the sectioning process and determined the related mechanical properties. Tensile experiments have given the best correlation with the sectioning quality of the resin: the elastic (Young's) modulus value (depending on polymer structure or hardening mode), the presence of a short plastic flow for a controlled fracture and enough flexibility to minimize shearing, and internal cracks, appear to be the main characteristic parameters. The ultrathin section seems to be generated by a process close to cleavage, favoured by the relative hardness of the embedding media, while machining and “true” sectioning requires softer resins. Consequently, the rupture follows the path of least resistance in the specimen-resin composite, providing sections with a surface relief. Embedded biological material copolymerizes with polycondensed matrix (epoxy resins), and, by reducing the heterogeneity, gives smoother sections. Embedments hardened by radical polymerization provide a rougher relief, since almost no copolymerization occurs, offering to the microtome a heterogeneous block with two constituents of very different mechanical properties. The surface relief seems to be an important factor in labelling, staining, and imaging, and more attention has to be paid for some improvements of the quality of the information provided by electron microscopy.     

The effect of fiber oxidation on the tribological behavior of 3D-braided carbon fiber/nylon composites

To investigate the influence of carbon fiber oxidation on the tribological behavior of the 3D-braided carbon fiber/nylon composites (C_3D/MCN), C_3D/MCN composites were prepared. The characteristics of carbon fibers with different conditions were characterized. The mechanical property, friction and wear tests of the composites with untreated and treated carbon fabric were performed and the worn surface morphology and wear debris were analysed. The results show that the specific surface area of the treated carbon fiber was far higher than that of the untreated carbon fiber and there formed a functional group of –CO on the carbon fiber surface after air oxidation. The flexural strength, flexural modulus and shear strength of C_3D/MCN composites with oxidized carbon fiber fabric were improved. The friction coefficient and wear rate of C_3D/MCN composites with oxidized carbon fiber fabric were apparently lower than that with untreated carbon fiber fabric. In conclusion, the surface treatment favored the improvement of the higher interface strength and so had good effect on improving the tribological properties of the composites.     

Relationship between molecular structures and tribological properties of phosphazene lubricants

Cyclotriphosphazene lubricants were synthesized and the relationship between their structures and tribological properties was investigated using an optimol SRV oscillating friction and wear tester and one-way reciprocating friction tester. The elemental composition and chemical nature of the antiwear films generated on steel surface were analyzed on a scanning electron microscope with a Kevex energy dispersive X-ray analyzer attachment (SEM–EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). It was found that aryloxyphosphazene with polar substituent as a lubricant of steel–steel and steel–aluminum pair gave low wear, while aryloxyphosphazene with nonpolar group on the phenyl pendant led to high wear. Phosphazene provides poor lubricity for the steel–aluminum system under low load (0.5–3 N). The XPS analytical results of the antiwear films generated on the steel and aluminum surface indicate that phosphazene reacted with steel or aluminum counterface and formed a surface protecting film consisting of fluoride and organic compounds containing O, C, F, N, and P during friction. This contributes to reduce the friction and wear of steel–aluminum system.