Processing Characterization of Particulate filled Epoxy Based Composite for Wear Applications

Abstract

Owing to the present scenario of industries a huge demand for sustainable materials newlinemade of fillers (particles or fibers) is provoking. Filler reinforced composites attract newlineindustries because of their low density, high strength, excellent wear resistance, low newlinecost, high thermal stability, etc. they possess over conventional materials. newlineTherefore, the present work is undertaken to study the processing, characterization of newlineceramic and metal particulate filled epoxy composites along with modelling of newlinemechanical properties. The physical, mechanical and thermal performance of epoxy newlinecomposites with Wollastonite (CaSiO3) microparticles that are systematically newlineintroduced into an epoxy matrix for reinforcement purposes is evaluated and presented. newlineMagnetic stirrer is used to achieve homogeneous dispersion of the micro-particles into newlineepoxy resin. Further, the specimens of CaSiO3/WS2/Epoxy are fabricated considering newlinetoughest micro-composite matrix i.e., optimized CaSiO3/Epoxy composite (2 wt.% newlineCaSiO3) and then investigated for mechanical, thermal, tribological and morphological newlineproperties. The optimization of CaSiO3/Epoxy composites is done using TOPSIS newlinemethod on the basis of its physical, mechanical and thermal behaviour. The classical newlineoptimization techniques like GRA, Taguchi are also used to find the optimum newlineCaSiO3/WS2/Epoxy fabricated material that best meets the requirements of all relevant newlineproperties and gives maximum performance from the number of possible alternatives. newlineThe experimental results of the developed composites show increase in mechanical newlineproperties, wear resistance when compared to neat epoxy resin. Also, thermal behaviour newlineof both, neat and filler reinforced composites studied by Thermogravimetric analysis newline(TGA) reveal higher thermal stability of composites. The morphology of worn surfaces newlineis examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and possible wear newlinemechanisms are discussed. Furthermore, attempt has also been made to evaluate the newlineproperties of composite bush bearing manufactured by casting meth