Tribological Properties of Composites Based on Single-Component Powdered Epoxy Matrix Filled with Graphite

Abstract

Composites based on powdered single-component epoxy matrix are an alternative technological solution for composites produced using liquid epoxy resins. This article describes in detail the process of producing graphite-reinforced composites for tribological applications. The advantages and disadvantages of technological processes where the matrix is a single-component epoxy powder were demonstrated, and the properties of the obtained materials were examined. A series of composite materials with the graphite filler with sizes below 10 μm and below 45 μm and weight additions of 5, 10, 20, 30% were produced. Mechanical tests and tribological tests conducted with the pin-on-block method were performed, and the mechanism of tribological wear was described. The conducted research allowed us to conclude that the incorporation of graphite, regardless of particle size, above 10% by weight results in a significant reduction in the friction coefficient (approximately 40–50% lower than in unfilled epoxy resin), which is beneficial in the production of cheap self-lubricating materials.