Evolution of the Coefficient of Friction with Surface Wear for Advanced Surface Textured Composites

Abstract

In this study, textured composite surface with protruding fibers is developed, which exhibits extremely high coefficient of friction on ice. A novel composite material with improved wear resistibility is aimed to determine with the target to maintain its slip‐resistance properties over extended use. Particularly, two thermoplastic elastomers are compared, namely, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene (SBS), reinforced with five types of fibers with varying stiffnesses and ductility, including alumina, basalt, glass, carbon, and poly(p‐phenylene‐2,6‐benzobisoxazole)) (PBO). The surface science of the composite is analyzed by using Fourier tranorm infrared spectroscopy to assess the intensity of existing interfacial bonding at fiber/matrix interface and scanning electron microscopy imaging for visual characterization. The results show that TPU composites have significantly higher abrasion resistance and slip resistance on ice as compared to SBS composites with the maximum abrasive resistance index (347.5 ± 29.5, p < 0.0001) and coefficient of friction on ice (0.375 ± 0.031, p < 0.0001) for PBO/TPU composite. Similarly, Fourier tranorm infrared spectroscopy spectrum demonstrates stronger existing bands in TPU compared to SBS composites indicative of better fiber wetting in TPU composites. The current PBO–TPU composite can be a potential candidate for various antislip applications as it has improved wear‐resistance (22%) and slip‐resistance (57%) properties, with respect to pure TPU.

Influence of glass fibers and rubber particles on the viscoelastic behavior of polyamide 6,6 blended composites

“…The high degree of matrix left on the fiber is indicative of good fiber matrix interfacial properties. Additionally, there are no sights of fiber pullout which would be characterized by voids left in the matrix further suggesting good compatibility between the glass fibers and polyamide matrix .…”

“…Furthermore, in the blended composite materials there is only a single discernable phase demonstrating the homogeneous mixture of the materials as confirmed by thermal and dynamic mechanical testing. Recently, we have utilized the heating and cutting method to qualitatively discern the extent of fiber wetting in composite materials in conjunction with the fiber pullout phenomena as described in our recent papers . It can be seen from these images that there is good wetting between the fiber and matrix, based on the lack of fiber pullout, and serves as evidence of strong fiber–matrix adhesion and good interfacial properties.…”

Preparation and Properties of Graphene/Nickel Composite Coating Based on Textured Surface of Aluminum Alloy

“…The microtexture diamond-coated tools have a longer tool life and a better cutting performance than uncoated tools and conventionally coated tools. Anwer [18] developed the textured composite surface with protruding fibers, which exhibits an extremely high coefficient of friction on ice. This kind of novel composite material with improved wear resistibility is aimed to determine with the target to maintain its slip-resistance properties over extended use.…”

Enhancement of Lightweight Composite Parts with Robust Cellular Structures by Combining Fused Deposition Modeling and Electromagnetic Induction Heating

“…Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are the materials consisting of polymer matrix combined with reinforcing dispersed phases, such as nano‐ or micro‐particles, fibers, and other nanomaterials, etc., which are designed to transfer loads between reinforcing dispersed phases through the matrix. Some of the advantages of PMCs include good stiffness, toughness, and strength . Nowadays, PMCs are very popular due to their low cost and simple fabrication methods.…”