Synthesis and Wear Characterization of Reinforced Glass Fiber Polymer Composites with Epoxy Resin Using Granite Powder

Abstract

Recent research scenario reveals that the amalgamations of micro and nanoceramic fillers into fiber reinforced polymer composites have improved their performances in an excellent manner. In this research work, an investigation was attempted at in analyzing the wear behavior of glass fiber reinforced with epoxy resin using granite powder as a filler material in varying weight percentage ranging from 0-5%. Structural morphology of the prepared laminates was studied using SEM. Epoxy resin which was taken as matrix material was reinforced with a combination of chopped and woven roving mat glass fibers. Pin on disc method was applied for completing the wear test at different constraints of load, sliding distance and velocity for the investigation. Influence of granite powder in the composite was synthesized by calculating the specific wear rate and weight loss occurring at varying speed and normal load were applied on it. On examining by SEM worn surface wear rate of the prepared laminate at 5 wt% of granite provided better wear resistance as compared to other compositions and characterizations of worn surfaces.