Influence of Silicon Carbide (SiC) Reinforcement on Sliding and Erosive Wear Characteristics of Glass Fiber/Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Silicon carbide (SiC) hybridization's effect on improvising the full potential of polymer composites has been presented. The tribological characteristics (sliding wear and erosive wear) of the SiC filler and SiC-filled glass fiber-reinforced hybrid composites were obtained. The influences of filler content, external load and sliding velocity on the sliding wear behavior of the prepared composites were measured. The solid particle erosive wear test was performed as per ASTM standard, and the influence of impingement angles as well as filler content on the erosive wear of the composites was studied. From the study, it can be understood that 30% of each constituent, i.e., SiC filler and SiC/woven glass fiber, provide the optimum tribological (both sliding and erosive wear) properties. The microscopic analysis revealed that micro-crack propagation is the prevalent mode of deformation mechanisms observed during the sliding wear test of the samples. Furthermore, during erosion fragmentation of the matrix phase, the formation of micro-craters and grooves is perceived on the worn-out composite surface.

Automated summary

The effect of silicon carbide (SiC) hybridization on enhancing the potential of polymer composites is studied. Tribological characteristics (sliding wear and erosive wear) of SiC filler and SiC-filled glass fiber-reinforced hybrid composites were investigated. The study found that 30% of each constituent, SiC filler and SiC/woven glass fiber, provide the optimum tribological properties. Micro-crack propagation and formation of micro-craters and grooves were observed during sliding wear and erosion fragmentation processes, respectively.