The Effect of Copper Particles Size on Hardness, Wear Resistance and Friction Coefficient of Fiberglass-Carbon Particles-Copper Particles Reinforced Composite

Abstract

Brake lining plays an important role in the vehicle braking process. So far, most of the brake lining is made of asbestos. Unfortunately, asbestos powder can be toxic to the human body. Composites have the potential as a substitute for asbestos. Fiber-reinforced composites can be modified with particles to improve mechanical properties. This study aims to investigate the effect of copper particle size on the hardness, wear resistance and friction coefficient of the Fiberglass-Carbon Particles-Copper Particles Reinforced Composite. In this study, the composite was hardness tested with a durometer shore D hardness tester, after that tested for wear resistance and friction coefficient under dry operating conditions and oil operating conditions. The results showed that the smaller the copper particle size, the higher the hardness, wear resistance and friction coefficient. Research also showed that oil operating conditions will result in lower wear and friction coefficient than under dry operating conditions.