The Tribological Properties and Wear Mechanisms of Carbon Fiber and CuO Reinforced Polyamide 1010 Composites

A micro injection machine was used to prepare the specimens of inorganic CuO and carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyamide 1010(PA1010) composites. The friction and was behavior of the composites was investigated with a ring block test rig. The morphologies and elemental distributions of the worn composite surface and transfer film were examined and analyzed with a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer attachment. The chemical states of some typical elements on the transfer were examined with an X ray photoelectron spectrometer as well. The results show that hybrid fillers of CuO and CF considerably improve the friction and wear behavior of the reinforced PA1010 composites, and 10%CuO 20? PA1010 shows the highest wear resistance and tensile strength. CF promoted the tribochemical reaction of CuO with the counterface Fe, with the generation of more elemental Cu in the transfer film. This helps to increase the bonding strength of the transfer film on the counterface. Subsequently the abrasive and adhesion wear was abated because of the formation of the transfer film containing elemental Cu.