Investigation on Mechanical and Tribological Behaviors of PA6 and Graphite-Reinforced PA6 Polymer Composites

In this paper, the effects of adding graphite on the mechanical and tribological properties of polyamide 6 (PA6)-based composites were investigated. PA6 was reinforced with graphite by varying the weight proportions. The test specimens for mechanical and tribological experiments were molded in an injection molding machine. The mechanical properties of PA6 and graphite-reinforced PA6 polymer composites were investigated in terms of tensile strength, impact and hardness tests. The PA6 composite containing 20 wt% graphite revealed the better mechanical behaviors. The wear test was observed by using a pin-on-disk machine under dry sliding conditions at 5, 10, 20 and 30 N applied load values and sliding speed of 1000, 1500 and 2000 rpm. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to examine the worn surfaces microstructure and wear mechanisms before and after the tribological test. The results showed that the reinforced PA6 polymer composites with 20 wt% graphite enhanced the best tribological behavior. The addition of graphite enhances the life condition of normal PA6 to a greater extent. Also, this composite exhibits stronger interfacial bonding characteristics with improved wear resistance.