Friction and wear behavior of three-dimensional braided carbon fiber/epoxy composites under lubricated sliding conditions

The friction and wear characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) braided carbon fiber-epoxy (C3D/EP) composites under lubricated sliding conditions against a quenched medium-carbon steel counterface were studied. Wear tests were performed under different loads at two velocities. Comparative wear tests under dry conditions were carried out to investigate the influence of lubrication. Tribological properties of the C3D/EP composites with various fiber loadings and two different fiber-matrix adhesion strengths were assessed. It was found that the lubricated contact promoted lower wear rates and friction coefficients. Compared to dry sliding, the tribological performance of the C3D/EP composites under lubrication was less dependent on fiber content, fiber-matrix bonding, load, and velocity than dry sliding. The worn surfaces of the C3D/EP composites were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to explore the relevant mechanisms. C 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.