Influence of material structure properties on sliding contact performance of CGRP composite

Influence of material structure properties on sliding contact performance of CGRP composite

[Abstract]: In the current work, an experimental investigations on friction and interface temperature of chopped strand mat glass fibre (type-R) reinforced polyester (CGRP) sliding against smooth stainless steel are
presented. Pin-on-disk (POD) apparatus was used
to perform the experimental tests under dry contact
condition. Several tribo-parameters are considered,
namely load (30, 60 & 90N), sliding velocity (2.8,
3.52 & 3.9m/s) and sliding distance (0-2.51km). In
addition, the CGRP composite was investigated in
two different orientations of chopped strand mat
(CSM) glass fibre in the matrix, with respect to
sliding direction and counterface, i.e. Parallel (P)
and Anti-parallel (AP). Friction forces and interface
temperatures were measured simultaneously. To
observe the damages feature on the worn surface of
CGRP composite, scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) is used. The results of friction coefficient
and interface temperature were presented as
function of sliding distance at different loads,
velocities and orientations. Experimental results
revealed that orientations of CSM glass fibres and
test parameters played a major role in friction and
interface temperature behaviour. Tested parameters
(load, sliding distance, sliding velocity and
orientations of CSM glass fibre in matrix) have an
essential influence on the friction coefficient and
interface temperature results of the CGRP
composite. AP-orientation produced high friction
coefficient (0.5-0.6) and interface temperature (29-
50oC) in compared to P-orientation. High damage
on the CGRP surface were found when the CGRP
tested in AP-orientations at higher load and
velocity, i.e. fibre break, peels off, debonding,
polyester deformation.

No response to 2 requests for copyright advice, so paper put up 15/5/2008.