Tribological Properties of Metal Particulate Reinforced Polymeric Functionally Graded Materials

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) can be able to withstand in coarse environmental conditions. The present research focused on tribological characteristics of epoxy-based FGMs using aluminum (FG-Al) and copper (FG-Cu) filler particles developed through hand lay-up methodology. Experiments were reported using pin-on-disk tribometer to study wear rate and coefficient of friction of individual layers at different loading conditions. The layer 4 having high filler loading showed better tribological properties as compared to layer 1 which comprise low filler content. Moreover, FG-Cu samples exhibited lower frictional coefficient than FG-Al indicating the efficiency of Cu particles in reducing friction. Surface of worn-out samples was examined microscopically which revealed the abrasive wear as dominant wear mechanism and presence of wear debris at sliding surfaces.