Thermal and tribological performance of epoxy hybrid polymer composite reinforced with ZrB2 and PTFE particles Experimental and finite element studies

Abstract

Epoxy resin is a commonly used matrix phase for polymer-based composites due newlineto its ease of processing, good adhesion to substrates and lightweight characteristics. newlineHybrid PTFE/epoxy composites are suitable for self-lubricating spherical plain bearings, newlineused in elevated temperature applications. The main disadvantage of this type of bearing newlineis the wear of the bearing liner. PTFE fabric liner is extensively used as a self-lubricating newlineliner of spherical plain bearings. Poor mechanical strength and deformation of PTFE newlineaffect the service life of the bearing liner. One of the present-day objectives of the studies newlineon these composites is to enhance their elevated temperature tribological properties. newlinePerformance evaluation of the newly developed composites requires exploration of their newlineproperties through experiments and simulations. newlineThe engagement of sliding surfaces can cause an increase in the temperature due newlineto frictional heat generation. A premature failure of the contacting friction surfaces can newlineoccur due to high temperature and stress focus on a small area. An investigation of the newlinethermal and mechanical performance of the sliding system is required to avoid such newlinefailures. A low friction coefficient and relatively high thermal conductivity with improved newlineheat transfer are required to achieve good tribological performance. A performance newlineevaluation of the newly developed composites for tribological applications requires a newlinemeasurement of the temperature and stress distribution in the contact zone. As gathering newlinethese measurements at contact zones is a difficult task, finite-element (FE) method can newlinebe used as an effective tool to find a solution to the thermal and mechanical problems of newlinesliding systems. newlineviii newlineThe present work aims to achieve a material with a low friction coefficient and newlinehigh thermal conductivity resulting in reduced frictional heat accumulation a viable newlinealternative material for a self-lubricating spherical-bearing liner over a conventional newlinematerial.