Fretting behaviour of unidirectional glass fibre–epoxy composites, influence of electric charge effects

Because fibre-reinforced polymer/metal assemblies are so important for the durability of automotive and aeronautical structures, the fretting behaviour of unidirectional glass fibre–epoxy composite, was investigated. Various damage mechanisms were identified, which depended on several parameters, particularly fibre orientation, fibre–matrix interface structure, displacement amplitude, number of cycles, etc. The tangential force was recorded continuously during tests. The dielectrical properties of composites were characterized by using the scanning electron microscope mirror effect (SEMME) method. Using the correlation between the mechanical and electrical properties of fibre–matrix interface, an energy explanation for the fretting behaviour of epoxy composites was proposed. The friction and wear results were discussed, in terms of storage of polarization energy and relaxation associated with trapped electric charges.