Effect of UHMWPE Microparticles on the Tribological Performances of High-Strength Glass Fabric/Phenolic Laminate Composites Under Water Lubrication

The tribological behaviors of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) microparticle-modified high-strength glass fabric/phenolic laminate composites sliding against stainless steel under water lubrication have been investigated. Results showed that the incorporation of UHMWPE microparticles, especially at the mass fraction of 5.0 %, improved the wear resistance of the laminate composite to a significant extent, because UHMWPE microparticle can effectively absorb and dissipate the friction energy through a plastic deformation during the formation of the regular ripple-like abrasion patterns on its worn surface. During the sliding process, after the phenolic resin was firstly worn off, UHMWPE microparticles with much better wear resistance were protruded from the worn surface of the laminate composite, leading to a fundamental change in the contact status of the matched surfaces from rigid resin and fibers/steel to flexible UHMWPE/steel. As a result, low and steady friction coefficient was obtained due to good adaptability of UHMWPE to water lubrication.