Friction and Wear Behaviors of 3-D Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites

The friction and wear behaviors of three dimensionally braided carbon fibers (C 3D /EP) composites prepared by RTM process were studied using a ring on block tester and the wear mechanism was discussed The results show that fiber volume fraction, contact pressure and sliding velocity have obvious effects on the friction coefficient and the width of wear scar of the C 3D /EP composites From the scanning electron micrographs of the wear scars, it is believed that wear is primarily due to a combination of adhesion and fatigue The wear mechanism of the C 3D /EP composites differs depending on contact pressure and sliding velocity