Tribological performance of multi walled carbon nanotubes-alumina hybrid/epoxy nanocomposites under dry sliding condition

The polymer nanocomposites are emerging as a viable alternate option for the metal and alloy based materials in advanced engineering applications. In this paper, the tribological performance of MWCNT/alumina hybrid nanocomposites were discussed. Hybridization is performed using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physically mix methods. The weight ratio is maintained equally in the hybrid filler. The microscopic examination of hybrid fillers shows there is better conjugation of CNT/alumina by forming alumina network. The XRD pattern also confirms the presence of CNT and alumina in the hybrids. The tribological investigations were performed using a pin-on-disc machine with the varying load of 50 N, 100 N and 150 N with the various weight fraction of 2 wt%, 4 wt% and 6 wt% of hybrid nanofillers. In comparison with physically mixing, the addition of CVD grown MWCNTs-Al2O3 hybrid filler decreased the coefficient of friction and a significant improvement in wear resistance was recorded for nanocomposites contains 4 wt% hybrid filler under the applied load of 150 N under the dry sliding condition. The morphology analysis of the worn samples revealed that all the nanocomposites systems are under the mechanism of abrasive sliding wear. Moreover, the additions of hybrid filler could improve the wear resistance of pure epoxy composites.