Effect of fiber type, fiber content, and compatibilizer on two-body abrasive wear performance of HDPE matrix composites

Abstract

This study puts forth the synergistic effect of fiber concentration and maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA) compatibilization on the abrasive wear properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. Composites including carbon, basalt, jute and coconut short fibers with different weight ratios were processed by melt blending and then tested by using a pin-on-disc abrasive wear tester in dry sliding conditions. The test rig was also equipped with a vacuum system, for the first time, to promote two-body abrasive wear of the composites by reducing the wear debris which may be trapped in the wear track and alter the wear properties. In addition, fiber and coupling agent concentrations and test parameters were investigated using L16 full-factorial experimental design and the relationships between these parameters and wear behaviors of the composites were analyzed on the basis of the findings. This work clearly shows that high rigidity obtained by fiber contribution was not beneficial from the abrasive wear resistance point of view, due to repeated plowing effect of the counterpart material under the test conditions. Nevertheless, basalt fiber-reinforced composites showed higher wear resistance than other composites. Except for coconut fibers, PE-g-MA exhibited good miscibility between fibers and matrix, and thus an enhancing effect on the hardness values, and also wear resistance of the samples. Briefly, the rigidity and miscibility of the composites were found in balance for optimum wear rates.

Tribological Behavior of a Rubber-Toughened Wood Polymer Composite

“…The situation was different in the case of WPC since the absence of the toughening agent made the material stiffer but also more brittle, and during the wear test, the polymeric matrix broke at the surface. This is evident in Figure 8b,d Abrasive wear is typical of bio-composites, as reported in [32,34,37,39]. This is caused by four effects that occur sequentially: polymer matrix deformation, fibers wear, breakage and pull-out of fibers, and fiber-matrix interfacial debonding under the form of microcutting.…”

“…Abrasive wear is typical of bio-composites, as reported in [ 32 , 34 , 37 , 39 ]. This is caused by four effects that occur sequentially: polymer matrix deformation, fibers wear, breakage and pull-out of fibers, and fiber–matrix interfacial debonding under the form of micro-cutting.…”

“…Generally speaking, the wear behavior of fiber reinforced composites is a complex phenomenon, not fully studied and understood. However, all authors agree that the presence of the wood fibers is beneficial in terms of wear properties [ 34 , 35 , 36 ] and that wear resistance increases with the natural filler content [ 29 , 37 ]. In fact, the coefficient of friction (COF) and the wear rate (WR) of WPCs are lower if compared with the neat polymer matrix or with a synthetic fiber reinforced composite [ 38 ].…”

“…In fact, the coefficient of friction (COF) and the wear rate (WR) of WPCs are lower if compared with the neat polymer matrix or with a synthetic fiber reinforced composite [ 38 ]. In addition, COF decreases further as the wood fiber content increases [ 36 , 37 ]. Interestingly, the presence of an appropriate coupling agent can reduce the material volume loss [ 39 ], and the same result can be obtained by using an appropriate natural fiber treatment [ 40 ], because in both cases, the fiber–matrix adhesion is improved.…”

Investigations on effectiveness of transfer layer on specific wear rate and coefficient of friction during dry sliding of hybrid polymer matrix composites

“…On the other hand, the natural fibers also contributed much on tribological performance of the polymer-based composites due to enhanced interfacial adhesion, load bearing capacity, and good mechanical properties. [1,3,30,[37][38][39][40][41][42] . Kumar et al [39] developed different wt% of ramie fiber reinforced epoxy composites using hand lay-up technique for brake pad applications.…”