Adhesive Wear Performance of PP/MWCNT Composites

Abstract In this work, tribological performance of multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforced polypropylene has been studied. Various amount of nano composites prepared through melt intercalation with the aid of twin screw extruder. Developed composites were tested for adhesive wear performance with the aid of pin on disc tribometer. Worn out surfaces of nano composites were examined under non-contact optical profilometer to understand the friction wear mechanism. In spite of reduction in friction coefficient due to the presence of carbon nanotubes, composite exhibit inferior wear resistance than polypropylene. Worn out surface of test specimens reveals polypropylene ability to form substantial transfer film on the counter face and hence confirms the superior wear performance than that of carbon nanotube composite.