Mechanical and Tribological Performance of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with YSZ Waste Ceramics for Sustainable Green Engineering Applications

Abstract

The growing need for sustainable materials in engineering applications has led to increased interest in the use of waste-derived ceramics as reinforcing fillers in polymer composites. This study investigates the mechanical and tribological performance of epoxy composites reinforced with Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) waste ceramics, focusing on the effects of varying ceramic content (0–40 wt.%). The results demonstrate that while the tensile strength decreases with increasing ceramic content, the wear resistance and surface hardness improve, particularly at 20 wt.% YSZ. These findings are highly relevant for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing, where the demand for eco-friendly, high-performance materials is growing. This work aligns with the journal’s focus on sustainable engineering by offering new insights into the practical application of waste materials in high-performance composite systems.