Mechanical and Tribological Analysis of Polymer Matrix Composites

Abstract

Polymer matrix composites are very popular in the applications of lightweight aircraft, marine and automobile structures. Particularly, epoxy resin based reinforced composites are the prepared choice because of the superior physical, thermal, electrical and mechanical properties, ease of processing, excellent wettability with various reinforcements, less moisture pick up, low density, and ductile nature of the epoxy resin. In accordance with that, the present work is aimed to study the mechanical and tribological properties of pariculate filled fibre reinforced glass Epoxy resin polymer matrix composite. At first glass Epoxy resin polymer matrix composite was prepared by filling varying wt% of Fly Ash(240 mesh size) and Carbon Powder(240 mesh size) using hand lay up technique. While preparation of the polymer matrix composite a brief study on the process of preparation and composition was studied. After that tests for mechanical and tribological properties was carried out. The mechanical property tests such as density and hardness was investigated in accordance with ASTM standards. Tribological properties i.e. two body abrasive wear study was carried out using a pin-on-disc wear tester. According to the observations the concentration of filler material best suited for different purposes was determined. Finally we have compared the properties of Fly Ash and Carbon Powder filled fibre reinforced glass Epoxy resin polymer matrix composite with each other and other polymer matrix composites. It also highlights the current application and future potential of particulate filled glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites in aerospace, automotive, marine and other construction industries.