Friction and Wear Behavior of Composites Reinforced with 3-D Braided Carbon Fiber

The epoxy resin based composites reinforced with 3 dimensional braided carbon fiber were prepared by resin transfer moulding pressing. The friction and wear properties of the composites sliding against AISI 1045 steel under dry and lubricated conditions were investigated using an MM 200 friction and wear tester in a ring on block contact configuration. The worn surfaces and wear debris were observed and analyzed with a scanning electron microscope. The results show that the wear resistance of the composites increases with the increase of the fiber volume fraction. At a pv value below 63 N·m/s, high friction coefficient and wear rate of the composite are observed, and the main wear mechanisms are adhesion and fatigue wear. When the pv value is over 63 N·m/s, the friction coefficient and wear rate decrease greatly, and the wear of the composite is dominated by adhesion wear. The composites show greatly decreased friction coefficient and wear rate under the lubrication of a buffering liquid.