Friction and Wear Characteristics of UD Thermoplastic Tape Based Nanocomposites with Fullerene Soot

Abstract

A series of unidirectional thermoplastic tapes (UD tapes) specimens based on carbon fibers and polyamide filled with fullerene soot in a concentration of up to 4 wt. % was made. A study of the tribological properties by the 3 Ball on Plate test and Ring on Plate test and was made. Shown that the introduction of fullerene soot up to 2 wt. % decreases scatter of CoF in both ranges of load and velocity. Also, this concentration decreases wear rate almost 2.5 times compare to unfilled specimen. Mechanism of friction and wear was suggested. The obtained tribological results are well consistent with mechanical properties, and agree with previously suggested theory of the effect of fullerene soot on adhesion between polymer and fibers.