Wear resistance and friction behavior of thermoset matrix reinforced with Musaceae fiber bundles

Fiber bundles from agricultural residues are promising sources of reinforcement for composite materials due to their technical and economic advantages. This work aims to compare the effect of variation of the fiber size, resin type and curing agent on friction and wear behavior of polymer matrix composites reinforced with fiber bundles obtained from Musaceae rachis. A pin on disc test equipment was used to study sliding of composites and steel as counter body with fixed test parameters. SEM images were used to identify the wear mechanisms. Results show that the wear resistance of composites is better than neat resin and increases when fiber size is reduced. The main wear mechanisms evidenced in all samples were adhesion, surface fatigue and crazing. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.