Tribological studies of epoxy composites with solid and liquid fillers

Epoxy-based composites are promising tribological coatings. The tribological properties of epoxy composites with filler materials such as graphene, graphite, and liquid lubricants (base-oil SN150 and perfluoropolyether) are studied. The composite coatings were applied on cylindrical steel surface and a steel ball was used as the counterface. Tests were conducted at 10 N normal load and 0.63 m/s linear sliding speed. Among all coatings, epoxy filled with graphene and SN150 lubricant provided the lowest coefficient of friction of 0.09 with wear cycles exceeding 200,000 and specific wear rate of 5.4×10−7 mm3/N-m. Speed effects on friction were also evaluated.