Study on Mechanical and Dry Sliding Wear Characteristics of Meta-Cresol Novalac Epoxy Composites Filled with Silicon Carbide, Aluminum Oxide, and Zinc Oxide Particulates

Abstract

In this article, the mechanical and dry sliding wear characteristics of synthesized m-cresol novalac epoxy composites filled with silicon carbide (SiC), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), and zinc oxide (ZnO) have been studied using a pin-on-disc apparatus. The influence of wear parameters such as applied normal load (20–40 N), sliding velocity (1.8–3.6 m/s), filler content (5–15 wt%), and sliding distance (1,000–3,000 m) on the coefficient of friction and specific wear rate of these composites have been investigated under dry sliding conditions. A design of experiment technique, response surface methodology, has been used to model the friction and wear behavior of these composites. The experimental plan for four factors at three levels using face-centered central composite design has been employed. The results showed that the hardness, tensile strength, and flexural strength of these composites increased with 5 to 10 wt% filler contents and decreased for 15 wt% filler content. The compression strength of these m-cresol novalac epoxy composites increases with an increase in the filler content from 5 to 15 wt%. The worn surfaces of these composite specimens were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to explore the wear mechanisms.

KEY WORDS:

• m-Cresol Novalac Epoxy
• Mechanical Properties
• Response Surface Methodology
• Coefficient of Friction
• Specific Wear Rate

Acknowledgments

Review led by David Burris