Journal Of Composite Materials, vol.53, no.19, pp.2743-2760, 2019 (SCI-Expanded)
This study puts forth the synergistic effect of fiber concentration and maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA)
compatibilization on the abrasive wear properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. Composites including
carbon, basalt, jute and coconut short fibers with different weight ratios were processed by melt blending and then
tested by using a pin-on-disc abrasive wear tester in dry sliding conditions. The test rig was also equipped with a vacuum
system, for the first time, to promote two-body abrasive wear of the composites by reducing the wear debris which may
be trapped in the wear track and alter the wear properties. In addition, fiber and coupling agent concentrations and test
parameters were investigated using L16 full-factorial experimental design and the relationships between these parameters
and wear behaviors of the composites were analyzed on the basis of the findings. This work clearly shows that high
rigidity obtained by fiber contribution was not beneficial from the abrasive wear resistance point of view, due to repeated
plowing effect of the counterpart material under the test conditions. Nevertheless, basalt fiber-reinforced composites
showed higher wear resistance than other composites. Except for coconut fibers, PE-g-MA exhibited good miscibility
between fibers and matrix, and thus an enhancing effect on the hardness values, and also wear resistance of the samples.
Briefly, the rigidity and miscibility of the composites were found in balance for optimum wear rates.