INFLUENCE OF VACUUM APPLICATION ON THE TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PORCELAIN WASTE REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of employment of vacuum application on the mechanical and tribological properties of porcelain waste added epoxy matrix composites. Tribological characterization was determined by friction, wear rate and mechanisms using ball-on-disk test by tungsten carbide counter-part without lubrication at room temperature. It is investigated the role of vacuum application on the wear mechanisms, tribo-chemical layer formation on the wear surfaces, frictional property and tribological performance. The microstructure, mechanical and physical properties and wear behavior correlation were discussed comprehensively. Vacuum application provided fully embedded and well wetted particles, and strong bonding strength between matrix and filler. It is demonstrated that well bonded particle reinforced composites have higher wear resistance, by resulting lower friction coefficient, and more smoother tribochemical layer than compared with the unvacuumed composites.