Effects of Material and Test Parameters on the Wear Behavior of Particulate Filled Composites Part 1: SiC-Epoxy and Gr-Epoxy Composites

Abstract

Studies were carried out on a (RT) cure epoxy (LY556 + HY951) composite system comprising of silicon carbide (SiC) and graphite (Gr) particulates. Results showed that the wear resistance and coefficient of friction of both the composites increased with sliding distance and contact load (contact pressure) for the range of filler contents (5—40% wt) considered. The Gr-composite exhibited its distinct (superior) tribological feature compared to the SiC-composite. A wear endurance index has been identified from the experimental data, to serve as a parameter to assess the long term wear life (residual wear life) of these composites.