The experimental investigation of hardness and wear behaviors of inner surface of the resin tubes reinforced by fibers

Resin tubes made of epoxy base material and fibers are widely used in the transportation, and aeronautics industries due to their high mechanical properties. Different reinforcing fibers and resins are usually used in making these tubes and lead to various properties. In this study, tubes made by using a 45-degree unilateral winding method and reinforced by Glass, Carbon, and Kevlar fibers and their hardness and wear behaviors were investigated. The results showed that the highest hardness was obtained for the carbon fiber reinforced composite tube (CFR), equal to 65HV, which was 109% more than the Kevlar fiber reinforced composite tube (KFR). Higher hardness indicates greater resistance of the material to local deformation and also stronger bonding between the base material and the reinforcing fibers. The wear test results showed that the wear rate of CFR was 6 mg/m, which was 26% and 55% lower than the glass fiber reinforced composite tube (GFR) and KFR, respectively. The obtained result can be explained as a result of good bonding and compatibility between carbon fibers and used resin. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were taken to evaluate the results