Studies on dry sliding wear behaviour of functionally graded graphite particle-filled glass-epoxy composites

The dry sliding wear characteristics of glass-epoxy (G-E), graphite-filled G-E and functionally graded graphite-filled G-E composites were investigated using pin-on-disc test rig. The specific wear rate was determined as a function of applied load, sliding velocity and sliding distance. The results revealed that the specific wear rate increases in all the tested composites with increasing wear parameter. But, the admirable wear resistance was obtained with functionally graded graphite-filled G-E composite. The scanning electron microscope studies of worn-out surfaces support the involved wear mechanisms and are well indicated in the worn-out surface features such as matrix wear, fibre exposure, fibre breakage, fibre and matrix deboning, microcracking, debris formation, fibre cracking and removal of fibres.