Tribological behavior of a polyester composite system under severe wear conditions

This work aims on the study of the wear resistance of a commercial polyester composite system under severe wear conditions. It is an example of composite engineering material manufactured from synthetic fibres and thermosetting resins with appealing physical and mechanical properties that make it very interesting for products like sheets, rods, tubes, flange, washers and wear ring. In order to make it suitable for applications where damage by metal roll surfaces can occur, the study of the wear behavior under specific conditions is then necessary. At this aim, a detailed experimental campaign, including tribological tests and microgeometrical measurements, was carried out. In particular, the tribological behaviour was studied through the pinon-disk tests conducted at 209 mm/s as peripheral speed under an applied load comprising in the range of 10 - 70 N. The tests were followed by microgeometrical measurements by using a confocal microscope in order to critically observe the wear tracks, evaluate their depth, width and then to calculate the final less of volume. The results proved that the wear mechanisms founded for the composite under investigation differ from those commonly associated to metals; the surface asperities of the fibres allow to hold the lubricant inside the surface and thus assist in the maintenance of a continuous film on the working surface involving in very low friction coefficient.