A review on tribological performances of plant fibre-reinforced thermoset matrix composites

Abstract

The use of synthetic materials has attracted a lot of attention lately because of increased environmental awareness about sustainability, safety, and maintaining ecological balance. Because plant-based natural fibre-reinforced thermoset polymer composite materials have inherent qualities including a superior strength-to-weight ratio, affordability, and biodegradability, a great deal of study has been made on a number of these aspects. The wear performance of thermoset composites made only of natural fibres derived from plants is the main focus of this work. Plant fibre-based thermoset composites’ tribological characteristics have been studied in connection to a number of variables, such as load, sliding velocity, and sliding distance. There is documentation of a thorough examination of tribological characteristics, including volume loss, friction, specific wear rate, and surface morphology study. Interfacial adhesion was shown to be the main factor impacting mechanical and tribological characteristics. With the right filler and orientation of reinforcement, thermoset composites made of plant fibres can have their wear and friction characteristics well controlled. Additionally, a discussion of interfacial adhesion and how it affects composite performance has been included.