Preliminary study of dry sliding wear in Kenaf Epoxy and Carbon Epoxy composites

摘要

This paper presents an experimental investigation carried out to compare specific wear rate and surface morphology between Kenaf Epoxy Composite (KEC) and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). Wear tests were carried out using Abrasion Resistance Tester (TR-600) in dry sliding conditions. These tests were performed at room temperature with different applied loads (5, 20 and 30N) and sliding velocity of 1.4m/s. Surface morphology of both materials was also examined before and after each test using an optical 3D surface measurement device. From the wear test, it was observed that the wear characteristics of KEC are comparative to those of CFRP. It was also found that the morphology of worn material composites in both cases exhibits a similar trend. This is a preliminary test for a future work on the enhancement of Kenaf Composites and the application.