Abstract
In the present work, the effects of micron and submicron particle size on the tribological behavior of vinylester composites have been investigated. Three different sizes of cenosphere particles (2 µm, 900 nm, and 400 nm) were used as fillers in the composites. Friction and wear tests were carried out at normal room temperature for sliding speed of 1.9 m/s, 3.2 m/s, 4.4 m/s, and 5.7 m/s and applied normal loads of 10 N, 30 N, 50 N, and 70 N, respectively. The friction and wear behavior of these composites sliding against hardened ground steel EN-32 on a pin-on-disc apparatus has been studied. The tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths of the vinylester composites also have been determined on a universal materials testing machine. It was found that the submicron size particulates as fillers contributed significantly to improve the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the vinylester composites. The results show that the particle size 400 nm was most effective in increasing wear resistance and reducing the coefficient of friction. The morphologies of the worn surface were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy.
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