Abstract
In this work the wear behaviour of epoxy matrix composites with different types and percentages of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been studied. Three different types (NC3100, NC3150 and NC3152) and percentages (0.1 and 0.5 wt%) of MWCNTs were dispersed into an epoxy resin by a calendering process. The tribological properties of epoxy-MWCNTs nanocomposites were investigated using “pin-on disc” wear testing machine under different conditions (counterpart material, distances and sliding speeds test). Scanning electron microscopy and 3D optical profilometer were used to observe the worn surfaces of the samples. Compared with neat epoxy, the composites with MWCNTs showed a lower mass loss, friction coefficient and wear rate, and these parameters decreased with the increase of MWCNT percentage. Also, the results demonstrated that the epoxy composites with 0.5 wt% of amino-MWCNT (NC3152) have the best tribological properties.
1. Introduction
Polymers are being used in components subjected to wear due to their advantages such as easy processing, good corrosion resistance and low friction and vibration damping. However, the load carrying capacity and thermal resistance are lower than those of metals and ceramics. To improve these properties, nanoreinforcements such as carbon nanofibers or nanotubes could be added to the polymer. These nanoreinforcements exhibit excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. For this reason, in recent years extensive research has been done on the improvement in the mechanical and electrical properties that is caused by the addition of these nanoreinforcements to the polymer matrices [1–3]. Besides, the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have self-lubricating properties due to their structure which is similar to the structure of graphite and fullerenes. Therefore, the CNTs could be suitable for anti-friction materials and abrasion resistance.
4. Conclusions
This study investigated the effect of type and percentage of MWCNTson thewearbehaviour ofthe epoxy-MWCNTs nanocompositesin dry sliding against alumina ball. The main conclusions of the research are the following:
1. The mechanical dispersion of carbon nanotubes by the calendering process allows obtaining homogeneous and uniform mixtures for the three types and different percentages of carbon nanotubes studied.
2. The addition of MWCNTs to the epoxy matrix significantly improves its wear behaviour. Compared with neat epoxy, the composites with MWCNTs showed lower mass loss, wear rate and friction coefficient. These improvements are greater with increasing percentage of MWCNTs and for longer carbon nanotubes (NC3100) and functionalised with amino group (NC3152).
3. The wear mechanisms of neat epoxy and nanocomposites with MWCNTs are mainly abrasion and adhesion wear. The adhesive and abrasive mechanisms wear decreases with the increase of MWCNTs percentage and the amino-MWCNTs.
4. The nanocomposites with 0.5wt% amino MWCNTs (NC3152) had the better wear behaviour. For this material, the amount removed and the worn surface was smaller due to the greater interaction of these carbon nanotubes with the epoxy matrix.