Kenaf fibers for tribo-thermoplastic composites

Abstract

In the present work, wear and frictional characteristics of thermoplastic epoxy resin reinforced with treated kenaf fiber (T-KFRE) is investigated. The T-KFRE composite was tested against smooth stainless steel using a block on disc (BOD) apparatus at 2.8m/s sliding velocity and variable applied loads (10-60N) and sliding distance (0- 2.7km). The T-KFRE was investigated under Parallel (PO) in relation to sliding direction. Adhesive wear results revealed that T-KFRE has a superior and high degree of wear resistance when slid against a stainless steel counter face in comparison to neat epoxy. The friction coefficient varied between the ranges of 0.35 and 0.65 in relative to sliding distance of up to 2.7 km. SEM study showed different wear mechanism such as pitting, delamination, breakage and micro cracks especially for lighter applied loads. Meanwhile, heavier loads showed less damage to the surface, which in turn exhibited, better wear performance and frictional characteristics.