Effect of organically modified montmorillonite clay on wear behavior of naturally woven coconut sheath/polyester composite

摘要

Coconut sheath fiber was surface treated with silane-coupling agent and alkali modification, respectively. The coconut sheath fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composites with and without organically modified montmorillonite (1, 2, 3, and 5 wt %) were produced using hand lay-up technique followed by compression molding. The dry sliding wear behavior of unfilled and organically modified montmorillonite filled coconut sheath fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composites, slid against a hardened steel disc (Rc 32), were investigated on a pin-on-disc wear test apparatus. The chemically modified fibers, examined by scanning electron microscope, revealed the changes of structure on the morphology of fiber surface. Experimental results revealed that silane treatment largely reduced the specific wear rate of the organically modified montmorillonite filled coconut sheath fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Scanning electron microscope images of the worn surfaces of the organically modified montmorillonite filled coconut sheath fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composites showed that silane modified composites had the strongest interfacial adhesion and the smoothest worn surface under given load and sliding velocity. The maximum reduction in specific wear rate was observed for silane treated coconut sheath with 2 wt % organically modified montmorillonite into polyester for different velocities. Scanning electron microscope studies were made to investigate the wear mechanisms.