Influence of the multi-walled carbon nanotube and short carbon fibre composition on tribological properties of epoxy composites

The present research work deals with the development of a novel polymer composite for brake pad applications. The composite that was used consists of epoxy resin, carbon fibre and carbon nanotubes in varying weight percentage. The tribological performance of three different samples was tested using a pin-on-disc under dry contact condition. The results indicated that the sample filled with short carbon fibres (SCF), and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) had superior performance. Reduction in wear rate was observed due to synergism between SCF and MWCNT as compared to SCF only. Scanning electron microscopy was subsequently performed on all samples. The micrographs show changes in the structural formation after the incorporation of SCFs and MWCNT. This increased composite structural strength and explains why SCF and MWCNT's hybrid-filled composite material has better tribological properties.