Tribological behavior of glass/sisal fiber reinforced polyester composites

The present study addresses the tribological behavior of polyester composites reinforced with a natural fiber (sisal), a synthetic fiber (glass) and their combination (glass/sisal hybrid). The composites were obtained by compression molding with an overall fiber content of 20 or 40 vol%. The composites were rubbed against a steel counterface using a tribometer. Pure sisal composite exhibited superior wear resistance, mainly due to the formation of a concise tribofilm. It also showed the lowest coefficient of friction (CoF) because of the lubricating action of the water present in the natural fiber. Pure glass composite showed the lowest wear resistance due to the strong abrasive effect of the glass fibers. The increase in fiber content lead to an increase in CoF and its effect on wear was complex and discussed throughout the article.