EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MATRICES ON WEAR CHARACTERISTICS OF GLASS WOVEN ROVING POLYMER COMPOSITES

The influence of three thermosetting matrix resins - epoxy, polyester and poly-(vinylbutyral)-modified phenolic - on the sliding wear of gla ss woven roving reinforced polymer composites under dry conditions has been investigated. Amongst the three composites, glass/phenolic compo sites exhibit the highest mechanical properties whereas the highest we ar resistance (minimum specific wear rate) is offered by glass/epoxy c omposites. The critical velocity, at which the specific wear attains a minimum value, is higher for glass/polyester composite than for the o ther two composites. The lowest coefficient of friction has been obser ved in glass/phenolic composites at all sliding velocities.