Tribological behaviour of multilayered textile composites: The effect of reciprocating sliding frequency

• Published in: Wear 2009-06, Vol.267 (1), p.26-33
• Main Authors: Mathew, M.T., Padaki, Naveen V., Alagirusamy, R., Deopura, B.L., Fangueiro, R., Rocha, L.A., Gomes, J.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Frequency; Friction, wear, lubrication; Machine components; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Mechanical properties; Multilayer textile composites; Physical properties; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Properties and testing; Reciprocating sliding; Technology of polymers; Wear mechanisms
• ISSN: 0043-1648; 1873-2577
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2009.01.001

Textile composites have been used for various applications because of their enhanced strength/weight ratio and versatile properties compared to other materials such as metals. Many studies have investigated the tribological behaviour of textile composites, but none have focused on the tribological characterization of 3D multilayered woven reinforced textile composites. Five types of 3-ply woven interlocked structures with varying interlacements were used as reinforcement for the nylon fibre/polyester resin composites for the present study. The influence of the textile structure interlacement on the tribological properties of the composite material (in terms of wear volume) was investigated in this work. Further, special attention was given to understand the effect of sliding frequency on the tribological behaviour and driving wear mechanisms. The tests were conducted on a new class of reciprocating sliding wear tester, in dry (unlubricated) conditions, under a fixed applied load of 20 N by varying the frequency of oscillating motion (0.5 ≤ f ≤ 8 Hz). In addition, tests were also conducted, at a constant frequency of 4 Hz and as a function of several loads (5 N to 40 N). From these tests, a 3-ply woven reinforced composite with the best tribological performance as a function of frequency and load was identified. It was observed that the type of woven structure had an influence on the tribological properties. Therefore, the selection of a textile composite should be based on the load and frequency at the service condition. The wear mechanisms involved in the tribological process were also analysed.