Effect of different matrices on wear characteristics of glass woven roving/polymer composites

The influence of three thermosetting matrix resins — epoxy, polyester and poly(vinylbutyral)-modified phenolic — on the sliding wear of glass woven roving reinforced polymer composites under dry conditions has been investigated. Amongst the three composites, glass/phenolic composites exhibit the highest mechanical properties whereas the highest wear resistance (minimum specific wear rate) is offered by glass/epoxy composites. The critical velocity, at which the specific wear attains a minimum value, is higher for glass/polyester composite than for the other two composites. The lowest coefficient of friction has been observed in glass/phenolic composites at all sliding velocities.