Mechanical Loading and Tribological Studies on Boron Carbide (B4C) and Lead (Pb) Particles Dispersed Epoxy-Based Multilayered Composites

Abstract

The study aims in the development of functionally graded epoxy-based layered composites dispersed with B4C and lead particles. The development route adopted for the composites is a novel route called layered molding and curing. Various compositions of single and trilayered composites were prepared through the abovementioned route. The samples prepared were subjected to mechanical and tribological studies, and the results were reported in this article. It is found that the mechanical properties of the single-layered composites consisting of 20% lead and 20% B4C show superior characteristics than those of the samples with increased addition of lead. However, the trilayered samples with lead core showcased excellent mechanical properties. On the other hand, the wear rate and mass loss of the trilayered samples with B4C cladding show minimum wear rate than the samples with lead cladding. Furthermore, the coefficient of friction of the samples also showcases the better performance of single-layered samples with 20% lead. The worn surface analysis done through scanning electron microscopy and stereo zoom microscopy reveals the reason for the low specific wear rate of 20% lead sample as the self-hindrance of wear debris evolved during the wear study.

Development of Lightweight Polymer Laminates for Radiation Shielding and Electronics Applications

“…The composite laminates for radiation shielding were effectively prepared through a layered molding and curing route [17,18], and are depicted in Figure 1(c). Rectangular molds of dimension 300 mm × 130 mm × 15 mm were used for making the laminates for radiation shielding.…”

Tribological Properties of Composites Based on Single-Component Powdered Epoxy Matrix Filled with Graphite

“…Liquid lubricants require regeneration and disposal, which generates additional costs and constitutes an environmental burden [14]. Fillers with low friction resistance that are used to effectively reduce the friction coefficient of materials are soft metals (e.g., lead [15], copper, nickel [16]), soft polymers (e.g., polyamide [17], PTFE [18]), graphite [19,20], molybdenum disulfide [21,22], and others [23]. The most commonly used polymer materials for the production of sliding materials are polyamides [24], PTFE [25], polyamide imides [26], polyimides [27], polyethylenes [28,29], PEEK [30] phenol-formaldehyde resins [31,32], and epoxy resins [33][34][35].…”

Development of sustainable abrasive wear resistant waste rubber crumb reinforced polymer matrix composites

“…However, adding molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), boron carbide (B4C) and fly ash resulted in enhanced resistance to wear. 22,23 The impact of adding nano particle of areca nut to coir reinforced thermoset composites was investigated, and was discovered that adding areca nut filler improves coir epoxy composite wear resistance. 24 The use of dust obtained from red brick in the manufacture of polymer composites has proved effective in terms of its resistance to wear.…”