Mechanical and tribological properties of self-lubricating bio-based carbon-fabric epoxy composites made using liquid composite molding. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Omrani, Emad; Barari, Bamdad; Dorri Moghadam, Afsaneh; Rohatgi, Pradeep K.; Pillai, Krishna M.
• Is Part Of: Tribology international. Volume 92(2015)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: LCM -- Mechanical properties -- Carbon-reinforced composite -- Tribological properties; Tribology -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2015.06.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-679X

Abstract

Abstract: Polymer composites reinforced with fibrous materials are used in several tribological and mechanical applications. In this study, the effect of carbon fiber as a reinforcement on the mechanical and tribological properties of a bio-based epoxy composite was investigated. The level of cure was investigated using DSC and the tribo-surfaces were studied using SEM micrographs. Use of carbon fibers with epoxy composites expectedly enhanced the bending strength and modulus of the composite. More importantly, the use of carbon fibers improved the tribological properties. Taguchi technique was employed in order to extract the data in a controlled situation in the experiments. Through the regression analysis equations, it was possible to predict the COF and volume loss as a function of these parameters. Highlights: Use of carbon fibers with epoxy composites enhanced the strength and modulus. DSC results show that the glass transition temperature is increased in carbon composites. The use of carbon fibers improved the tribological properties. On increasing the volume fraction, coefficient of friction and wear loss decreased. At higher normal loads, coefficient of friction decreased and wear losses increased. Based on Taguchi technique, minimum volume loss occurs at lower loads and higher volume fraction.