Showing papers by "R. Gnanamoorthy published in 2005"

Effect of nanoclay reinforcement on tensile and tribo behaviour of Nylon 6

Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites are particle-filled polymers in which at least one dimension of the dispersed particles is in the nanometer range. Dispersing nanosize particles in a polymer matrix induces superior mechanical properties compared to traditional macro fillers. Nanolevel reinforcement also affects the tribological properties and needs to be clearly understood before using in practical applications. Friction and wear characteristics of Nylon 6 nanocomposites under dry sliding conditions are reported in this paper. Nylon 6 with 5% organoclay was prepared by melt intercalation technique. The tensile behaviour is evaluated according to ASTM standards. A pin-on-disc type tribometer is used for evaluating the friction and wear behaviour. It is found that the Nylon 6 nanocomposites have superior tribological properties than unfilled polymer. Formation of uniform tenacious transfer layer by Nylon 6 nanocomposite on the counterface contributes to the reduction in coefficient of friction and specific wear rate. Nylon Nancomposites exhibited high wear resistance compared with the neat Nylon.

Effect of Short Fibre Reinforcement on the Friction and Wear Behaviour of Nylon 66

Abstract: Use of thermoplastic composite material for load bearing components is increasing due to economical processing of complicated shapes in large quantities. Addition of fibre improves the strength and modulus of composites. Although the tribo-behaviour of thermoplastic composites were investigated, the friction and wear mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Friction and wear behaviour of injection unfilled Nylon 66, glass fibre reinforced Nylon 66 and carbon fibre reinforced Nylon 66 is investigated under dry sliding conditions. Tests were conducted at different normal loads and sliding velocities at room temperature. Coefficient of friction, wear loss and heat generation during the wear tests were quantified. Presence of fibre affects coefficient of friction and wear resistance of Nylon 66 matrix composites. The formation and stability of the transfer films affects the wear resistance. The rise in temperature during sliding was also calculated and also measured. The contact temperature rise is influenced by the composition which in turn influences the fibre adhesion and thereby the wear resistance. Glass fibre reinforced Nylon exhibited the lowest wear rate among the materials investigated. Both adhesive and abrasive wear mechanisms were observed in polymer matrix composites.