Tribology of alumina materials for the circular economy of manufacturing textile industries

Abstract

Circular economy is still a theoretical field. In this research, alumina ceramic material was used to measure the coefficient of friction (COF) of cotton fabric with the objective of supporting the circular economy of textile industries. A scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical profilometer, mechanical profilometer and tribometer were used for evaluations of the cotton fabric surface and the coefficient of friction (COF). The cotton fabric surface was detected rough and damaged while the ceramic balls displayed smoothness along with high microhardness. The dynamic COF values were 0.12 to 0.15 in warp and 0.11 to 0.17 in weft directions. Based on the COF values, deformation, wear and morphologies evaluations, alumina ceramic materials could be used operationally for surface alterations of textile machinery parts. The results could also enhance the quality and performance of textile products.