Abrasive wear performance of vetiver grass-red mud- reinforced hybrid composites: Effect of fiber loading on various wear properties

This research work describes the fabrication and study of abrasive wear behavior of novel epoxy composite reinforced with vetiver grass fiber (VF) and red mud (RM). Five types of composites were fabricated (i.e. C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5) by varying the percentage of vetiver grass and red mud. The dry sliding wear tests were conducted for each composition at different sliding velocities (0.392, 0.471, and 0.549 m/s) and sliding distances (188, 254, and 376 m) by applying normal loads of 5, 10, 15, and 20 N using pin-on-disc wear testing machine. The specific wear rate, wear loss, and coefficient of friction were plotted against the normal load and sliding distance at all sliding velocities. The result reveals that with the increase in red mud content in the composite enhances the mechanical as well as the wear properties. SEM observation for worn surfaces display fiber-matrix debonding, multiple cracks, fiber fracture, fiber pullout, debris formation and wear scars.

Automated summary

This research work focuses on the fabrication and study of a novel epoxy composite reinforced with vetiver grass fiber and red mud. The results show that increasing the content of red mud improves both the mechanical and wear properties of the composite. Scanning electron microscopy observations reveal phenomena such as fiber-matrix debonding, fiber fracture, and wear scars on the worn surfaces.