Effects of nano-Al2O3 and PTFE fillers on tribological property of basalt fabric-reinforced epoxy composites

Effects of nano-Al2O3 and PTFE fillers on tribological behaviour of basalt fabric reinforced epoxy composite (BFRC) produced with a combination of molding and mixing method were studied by Taguchi L9 design. Microstructures and worn surfaces of composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Regression equations were also developed for predicting wear and coefficient of friction. The results indicated that specific wear rate increased with increasing load and decreasing speed, but friction coefficient decreased with increasing speed, PTFE addition and medium load. In addition, wear rate of nano-PTFE was lower than that of nano-Al2O3 because of its microstructure. PTFE decreased the friction about 17%. Load was effective on the wear rate while speed was dominant on the friction. Moreover, multiple fiber fractures and large numbers of debris were dominated for BFRC while fiber debondings, fiber removals and debris agglomerations were effective for Al2O3, but fiber fractures and flake types of debris were responsible for PTFE.