Exploration of potential of Zylon and Aramid fibers to enhance the abrasive wear performance of polymers

International audienceTwo series of composites based on two types of high performance fibers (aramid and liquid-crystalline polyoxazole) were developed by using two different base matrices viz. Polyetherimide (PEI) and Ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE). PEI based composites reinforced with fabrics of Zylon (liquid-crystalline polyoxazole) and Kevlar-49 (aramid) were developed by using an impregnation technique, while UHMWPE composite reinforced with fibers of Twaron (aramid) was developed by a novel co-mingling technique. These composites were evaluated for their abrasive wear performance under various loads and orientations against Silicon Carbide (SiC) abrasive paper in a single pass condition. These fabric reinforcements enhanced the abrasive wear performance up to 50% when the fabric was oriented normal to the sliding surface. However, the wear performance deteriorated when the fabric was oriented parallel to the sliding surface. Zylon fabric proved to be the most beneficial in maximizing the wear resistance of PEI matrix. These results were supported by the SEM studies done to understand the various possible wear mechanisms