Role of Zirconia Filler on Mechanical Properties and Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of Glass/Basalt Hybrid Fabric Reinforced Epoxy Composites
This paper presents the effect of zirconia filler on mechanical properties and dry sliding wear of bidirectional hybrid (glass and basalt fiber) fabric reinforced epoxy (G-B/E) composites. Fabrication was done by hand layup method followed by compression molding. The effect of zirconia filler loading on mechanical characteristics like hardness, tensile and flexure of fabricated G-B/E composites were determined according to ASTM standards. Also, wear behavior under dry sliding condition was performed using pin-on-disc machine for different applied normal loads/sliding distance. Experimental results reveal that incorporation of zirconia filler improves the mechanical properties. Further, the wear test results indicated addition of zirconia into G-B/E hybrid fiber composites plays important role on specific wear rate under the tribo-conditions selected for the study. Further, inclusion of zirconia into G-B/E composites shows improved wear resistance and addition of 6 wt. % of zirconia exhibits least specific wear rate compared to other hybrid G-B/E composites. In addition, Scanning electron microscope images of selected mechanical test fractured coupons also have been discussed.