Effects of Fiber Volume Fraction and Fiber Orientation on the Tribological Behaviour of Unidirectionally Oriented Glass Fiber-Polyester Composites

Authors: İBRAHİM YAŞAR, FAZLI ARSLAN

Abstract: In this study, a unidirectionally oriented fiber reinforced polymeric composite was produced by using silane coated glass fiber and polyester resin by means of the hot press method. The friction and wear behaviour of the composite was investigated as a function of fiber volume fraction and varying fiber orientations with respect to the sliding direction. The wear rate was minimum when the orientation of the fibers was parallel to the sliding surface and 15% volume fraction. This can be attributed to different wear mechanisms for different fiber directions. Coefficient of friction and wear rate were decreased with increasing sliding speed and contact force. Wear mechanisms were also examined in relation to the variation in fiber orientation and fiber volume fraction using SEM micrographs.

Keywords: Fiber orientation, fiber volume fraction, plastic composites, wear.

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