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.