Wear and Friction Behavior of Epoxy/MWCNTs Nanocomposites under Dry Sliding Conditions

The dry sliding wear and friction behavior of epoxy reinforced with Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) were investigated using pin on disc machine. The MWCNTs with the weight fraction of 0.1wt.%, 0.5wt.%, 1.25wt.%, 2.5wt.% and 5wt.% in the epoxy/MWCNTs were used in this study. A pin of 6mm diameter as epoxy/MWCNTs nanocomposites was slide against steel disc at a speed of 200rpm under the load of 60N. Wear performance was observed with the sliding distance of 942m in 30min. The experimental investigation showed that the addition of MWCNTs in considerable amount can improve the wear performance of epoxy/MWCNTs nanocomposites. The specific wear rate and friction co-efficient of the nanocomposites decrease with the increase of MWCNTs content until the weight fraction of 1.25wt.% is achieved. However, the weight fraction of 1.25wt.% of MWCNTs nanocomposites shows superior wear resistance than pure epoxy. Furthermore, addition of MWCNTs forms localized bundle and does not exhibit significant improvement of wear performance due to non homogeneous dispersion in the epoxy matrix. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) was utilized to examine localized bundle of MWCNTs, wave formation of the fracture surface, as well as rough and smooth morphology of worn surface in pin material. The typical topographical analysis of pure and functionalized MWCNTs was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).