Adhesion and Friction of E-Glass Fiber-reinforced Epoxy Composites for Tribo-applications

Adhesion and friction of E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy (E-GFRE) composites were studied using pin-on-disc tester. The worn surfaces of the composites were examined using scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the wear resistance of E-GFRE composites can be improved by inserting approximately 5–10 wt% C-filler loading. Above 10 wt%, the wear mass loss increased linearly with increasing C-filler loading. The reinforcing C-filled E-GFRE composites have almost the same friction coefficient as the pure epoxy matrix which increased slightly on increasing C-filler loading. From the SEM microscopy observation, the main wear mechanisms for pure E-GFRE composites were plastic deformation, abrasive wear, and fatigue wear.