Friction and Wear of Polymers reinforced with Carbon Fibres

Abstract

THE development of high strength and high modulus carbon fibres at this establishment^1,2 has prompted an examination of the friction and wear properties of a variety of resins and polymers reinforced with these fibres. Composites with thermoplastics were prepared by blending chopped carbon fibres (about 0.125 in. long) with a water dispersion of the powdered polymer in a liquidizer; the mixture was then dried and compression moulded into a bar. For the thermosetting resin composites, the liquid resin was poured over a random mat of fibres in a mould and light pressure applied during curing. The coefficient of friction and the rate of wear of each composite were determined on a crossed-cylinders wear machine. The composites were in the form of cylinders 0.25 in. in diameter and were loaded against a 4 in. diameter cylinder of mild steel (B.S.15). All experiments were made in dry conditions of sliding.