Sliding friction and wear behaviour of plain weave fabric reinforced p
oly(vinyl butyral) modified phenolic resin matrix composites made with
three different reinforcing fabric materials, namely E-glass, high st
rength carbon and Kevlar-49, were investigated. Tests were performed o
n a pin-on-disc apparatus, and the specimens were slid against a cast
iron disc under dry sliding conditions. The specific wear rate, coeffi
cient of friction and operating wear mechanism, as evinced by scanning
electron micrographs of the worn surfaces, changed with fabric materi
al. Of the three reinforcing fabric materials, the composite made usin
g glass fabric reinforcement exhibited poor wear resistance. Best wear
resistance was observed in the Kevlar fabric reinforced composite. Th
e wear mechanism was similar in all three composites.