Friction and Wear Properties of Kevlar Pulp Reinforced Epoxy Composites under Dry Sliding and Water Lubrication

Friction and wear behavior of Kevlar pulp reinforced epoxy composites against stainless steel under dry sliding and water lubrication was evaluated. Effects of Kevlar pulp content on tribological properties of the composites were investigated and wear mechanisms were discussed. Incorporation of Kevlar pulp into epoxy improves the friction and wear property considerably. Optimum wear reduction was obtained when the volume fraction of Kevlar pulp is 40 Vol%. Neat epoxy and its composites sliding against stainless steel register lower friction coefficients and wear rates under water lubrication than under dry sliding, owing to the boundary lubricating and cooling effect of distilled water. Adherence and plastic deformation are dominant under dry sliding. Plowing and slight abrasive wear are dominant under water lubrication.