Abstract

Enhancements of mechanical properties and wear resistance of epoxy using bi-directional fibers (E-glass and
basalt) and fillers namely polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and graphite has been systematically investigated in
this study. Fiber reinforced epoxy (G-B/E) filled with PTFE and graphite (2%, 4%, and 6%) were fabricated
using hand layup technique followed by compression molding. Interlaminar shear strength, tensile, and flexural
properties were determined to evaluate the effectiveness of PTFE and graphite fillers on the mechanical properties.
The dry sliding wear behavior was assessed by using a pin on disc apparatus under different loads and different
sliding distances. Results show that both fillers improved the mechanical properties, and the improvement is more
pronounced with the incorporation of graphite filler. The enhanced performance of filler filled G-B/E composites
is due to better adhesion and good dispersion of particulates in the epoxy matrix providing increased surface area
for strong interfacial interaction and better load transfer. The wear test results indicate that addition of PTFE and
graphite in G-B/E hybrid composites have a significant influence on wear behavior under varied sliding distance/
loads. Further, it was found that PTFE filled G-B/E composites exhibited lower specific wear rate as compared
to unfilled and graphite filled G-B/E hybrid composites. In addition, scanning electron microscopy images of the
mechanical test failed specimens of selected specimens have also been reported. The most important concept of
this paper is to strength the importance of integrating fibers and functional fillers in the design of wear resistant
polymer matrix composites.