Effect of fly ash content and grit size on mechanical and tribological properties of PVC composites

The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites containing fly ash of various grit sizes and contents were prepared by hot pressing. The hardness, impact strength of the composites were measured, and their friction and wear properties under dry and water lubrication sliding against quenched AISI-1045 steel were evaluated on an MM-200 tester. The fractograph of impact specimens, worn surfaces of the composites and their transfer films on the counterpart steel surfaces were observed with a scanning electron microscope and an optical microscope. Experimental results show that the composites containing 50% 74147μm fly ash have the highest hardness, highest impact strength and smallest wear rate. The wear rate of the composite is reduced by over two orders of magnitude. However, the composite containing over 50% fly ash has decreased wear-resistance, which is attributed to the weakened interaction between the filler and the polymer matrix in the presence of inadequate polymer matrix. The improved wear-resistance of the composite under dry sliding against the steel is attributed to the formation of the composite transfer film thereon.