The effect of CF and nano-SiO2 modification on the flexural and tribological properties of POM composites

Abstract

Carbon fiber (CF) and nano-silica (nano-SiO2) particles were employed simultaneously to modify polyoxymethylene (POM). Our goal was to control the distribution and dispersion of CF and nano-SiO2 particles in POM matrix using an appropriate processing method and adjusting the dispersion of nano-SiO2 particles toward CF and POM, so as to achieve a simultaneous enhancement of toughness and modulus of POM. The results of tribological tests showed that the POM with 3 vol% nano-SiO2 presented better tribological properties. When the content of nano-SiO2 was not more than 3 vol%, the CF/POM/nano-SiO2 samples presented lower friction coefficients and smaller wear volumes. However, higher contents of nano-SiO2 than 3 vol% were very disadvantageous to the tribological performances.