TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SIC FILLED POLYMER BLEND NANOCOMPOSITES

Tribological characteristics of epoxy-unsaturated polyester composites reinforce with silicon carbide and ultra fine graphite particles were investigated in terms of friction-wear coefficients subject to changes in different silicon carbide volume fraction. Hand lay-up technique was used to prepare the composites as well as blend specimens using flash molds at standard conditions. Pin on Disc machine in conforming geometry was used to determine friction and wear coefficients of blend and nanocomposites specimens slide against un lubricated steel disc. Optical microscopy coupled with auxiliary micro-hardness, and densities were employed to aid interpretation of results. Experimental results show that ultra fine graphite particles improve the tribological characteristics of epoxy-unsaturated polyester nanocomposites. The coefficient of friction drops progressively and settles at constant values by succession of silicon carbide volume fraction for high normal loads. The wear coefficient was behaved as being lowest for high silicon carbide volume fraction.