Mechanical and Tribological Performances of Thermoplastic Polymers Reinforced with Glass Fibres at Variable Fibre Volume Fractions

Abstract

High wear rates and frictional coefficients have always been the primary reasons for limiting the service life of critical elements such as pumps, couplings, bushings, bearings and gears. The premature and erratic failures are costing the industries extensive amounts of money every year. Additionally, under severe service conditions, the wear resistance requirements are higher, which greatly hinders the application of neat thermoplastics in different sectors. Hence, it is vital to enhance the tribological characteristics of thermoplastics. The mechanical and tribological properties of Polyamide 6, Thermoplastic Polyurethane, and glass fibre reinforced (GFR) Polyadmide 6 Composites of variable fibre volume fractions were investigated. Pin specimens of Polyamide 6 reinforced with (25%, 33%, and 50%) by volume of fibres were fabricated by an injection moulding process. The specimens were tested for tensile, compression, hardness, and wear under dry abrasive conditions using a pin-on-disc setup. Furthermore, the samples were scanned using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and the worn-out samples were analysed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results showed that the fibre volume fraction was inversely proportional to the wear resistance of the prepared composite materials. This research will enable the industry partners to supply cutting-edge technologies to the global oil and gas industry that not only minimizes the well running cost but also improves the well resilience.