Friction and wear characteristics of 3 - D braided carbon composites under lubricated condition

The three - dimensionally braided carbon fiber reinforced epoxy ( C3D/EP) composites used for bone fracture fixation were prepared by resin transfer mold (RTM) process. The friction and wear characteristics of C3D/EP composites under the lubrication of a buffering liquid (PBS) were investigated on a MM -200 friction and wear tester. The worn surface morphology of composites was observed with a scanning electron microscopy ( SEM ) 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 under dry sliding or lubricated condition, that is, the friction coefficient and wear rate decrease with the increase of load. Sliding velocity affects the tribological performances slightly. The wear mechanisms of C3D/EP composites with PBS lubrication are fatigue and abrasive wear at a lower pv value and abrasive wear at a higher pv value.