Study On Friction And Wear Properties Of Epoxy Modified By Nano-and Micro-materials

Polymers and polymer composites are being increasingly used in the filed of tribology because of their low frictional coefficient, high damage tolerance, mechanical properties and erosion resistance in comparison with metals. The study on friction and wear properties of polymers and their composites also attracts more and more attention of researchers.As an important member of polymer family, epoxy exhibits outstanding mechanical and adhesive properties, chemical erosion resistance and excellent capacity for bearing load. However, the reports about the tribological performance of epoxy and its nanocomposites are little. Owing to the large specific surface area and high surface energy, nano-materials might strongly adhere to epoxy, and hence improve greatly the physical and mechanical properties of epoxy (e.g. strength, toughness and heat deformation temperature). The wear resistance of epoxy might also be improved greatly.The friction and wear tests of epoxy and its micro- and nano-composites were conducted on an MM-200 model friction and wear tester under dry sliding friction and water lubricant. The effects of load, nano-rubber, nano-crystal, and micro-rubber on the frictional coefficient and wear mass loss were researched. The morphologies of the worn surfaces were observed with a JSM-5600 scanning electron microscopy (SEM).The composition and phase structure of worn and unworn surfaces of epoxy and its composites were analyzed by means of a VG ESCA LAB MKâ…¡X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). The microhardnesses of worn and unworn surfaces of epoxy and its composites were measured with HXD-1000 model microhardness meter.