Tribological behavior and mechanical properties of Bio-waste reinforced polymer matrix composites

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the erosive and abrasive wear behavior of coir dust filled epoxy resin matrix composites. The effect of coir dust concentration, different impingement angles(30°,45°,60°,75°,and 90°),and various impact velocities(34,48,60,78,and 92m/sec) on the erosion rate of composite has been analyzed. The erodent used here is dry silica sand having the size range 200–600µm. However, it is found that the composite shows brittle type failure and maximum erosion rate is observed at 90° impingement angle. Erosion wear rate is decreased with increasing the coir dust amount. The abrasive wear property of the composite is examined on a pin-on-disc machine against 400µm grit size abrasive paper with test speed of 0.540 m/sec and at normal loads 5,10,15,20, and 25N. The effect of coir dust concentration and sliding distance on the weight loss of composites has been analyzed. Abrasive wear resistance decreases with increase in normal load and increases with increasing fiber content. Further, the erodent and abrasive worn surface morphology is examined by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and possible wear mechanisms are discussed. The hardness and flexural strength of the composite also evaluated.