Tribological properties of epoxy/rubber nanocomposites

The effect of nanorubber particles on the tribological properties of epoxy was investigated under dry sliding friction and different applied loads. The microhardness, morphologies and chemical compositions of the surfaces of epoxy resin and its nanocomposites before and after wear were analyzed. The results reveal the influence of the nanorubber particle content on the wear resistance and friction coefficients of the nanocomposites. The 5 wt% content of the nanorubber particles is the most effective in reducing the wear mass loss and friction coefficient of the nanocomposites. With further increase in the content of the nanorubber particles, the nanorubber particles agglomerated, and the hardness of the nanocomposites decreased, which resulted in the increase of the specific wear rate. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.