Friction and wear of low nanometer Si3N4 filled epoxy composites

To prepare epoxy-based composites with low frictional coefficient and high wear resistance, nanometer silicon nitride particles were added. Dry sliding wear tests indicate that the composite materials exhibit significantly improved tribological performance and mechanical properties at rather low filler content (typically less than 1 vol.%). Unlike the severe wear observed in unfilled epoxy dominated by fatigue-delamination mechanism, the wear mode of nano-Si3N4 composites is characterized by mild polishing. It is believed that strong interfacial adhesion between Si3N4 nanoparticles and the matrix, reduced damping ability and enhanced resistance to thermal distortion of the composites, and tribochemical reactions involving Si3N4 nanoparticles account for the reduced frictional coefficient and wear rate of the composites. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.