Tensile and tribological properties of PTFE and nanoparticles modified epoxy-based polyester fabric composites

Four fabric composites were prepared in order to study the influence of fillers (nanoparticles and PTFE) on the tensile and tribological properties (both on-axis and off-axis directions) of polyester fabric composites. Tensile fracture mechanism was discussed based on tensile stress–strain curves and fractographs. Tribological tests were conducted on an Amsler friction and wear tester using a block-on-ring arrangement. It was observed that the polyester fabric played a main role in the tensile-resistant and wear-resistant properties of the neat epoxy/polyester fabric composites. But once fillers were added, matrix played more and more important role. The tensile properties were ruled by the fiber–matrix adhesion. And the excellent tribological performance of the fillers improved the tribological properties of polyester fabric composites. The tensile behaviors and tribological properties of off-axis directions are quite different from those of on-axis directions.