Tribological Properties of 3-D Carbon Composites under Lubricated Condition

The friction and wear properties of three-dimensionally braided carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites under the lubrication of a buffering liquid were investigated on a MM-200 friction and wear tester. The worn surface morphology of composites was observed with a scanning electron microscopy and the wear mechanism was analyzed. The results show that the composites have greatly decreased friction coefficient and wear rate under the lubricated condition. Load has the same effect on the friction and wear properties of the composites whether in dry or in lubricated condition, that is, the friction coefficient and wear rate decrease with the increase of the load. Sliding velocity affects the tribological performances slightly. The wear mechanisms of the composites are fatigue and abrasive wear at a lower pv value and abrasive wear at a higher pv value.