Tribo Performance of T-bfrp Composite Subjected to Dry/Wet Contact Conditions - Natural Polymers, Biopolymers, Biomaterials, and Their Composites, Blends, and IPNs - page 306

The tests were performed at a sliding velocity of 2.8 m/s, different sliding dis-
tances (0-6.72 km) and different applied loads (5-200 N). All specimens after the wet
test were dried in an oven at temperature of 40ºC for 24 hr. The specific wear rate was
computed using Equation (1) where the weight lost of the specimens was determined
using Setra weight balance (± 0.1 mg). Figure 5 illustrates the sliding direction with
respect to the fibers mats under dry/wet contact conditions.

∆ V

W = (1)

S

F . D

N

where;
W s = Specific wear rate [mm 3 /N . m]
∆V = Volume difference [mm 3 ]
F N = Normal applied load [N]
D = Sliding distance [m]

Figure 5. Schematic illustration of T-BFRP composite showing the sliding direction.

disCussioNs aNd results
Wear performance of t-BFrP Composite
Specific wear rate of T-BFRP composite as a function of sliding distance at different
applied loads are presented in Figure 6 under dry/wet contact conditions respectively.
Under dry contact condition; Figure 6(a), specific wear rate (Ws) of the composite
has less influence by sliding distance especially at higher range of applied loads. How-
ever, at an applied load of 5 N, there is an increase in Ws until 5 km of sliding distance
that is a steady state reached after 5 km of sliding distance. On contrary, Figure 6(b)
shows similar trends of specific wear rate. One can see that the curves are divided