Study on the friction and wear performance of carbon fabric/phenolic composites under oil lubricated conditions

Four kinds of carbon fabric reinforced phenolic resin composites were fabricated by the impregnation technique in the present study. And the effect of phenolic resin on friction and wear performance of the composites was investigated. Experimental results showed that the friction torque curves of the samples were very flat during the mixed asperity contact phase of the engagement except the sample with 30 wt% resin content. The dynamic friction coefficient (μd) decreased with the increase of resin content, but the friction coefficient ratio increased. The wear rates of all samples did not exceed 1.30×10−5 mm3/J, indicating excellent wear resistance of carbon fabric/phenolic composites. Meanwhile the composites were very friendly to the couple plate. The sample with 25 wt% resin content possessed the best wear resistance due to the moderated combination between the carbon fibers and the matrix and good friction surface formation.

► Carbon fabric/phenolic composites were prepared by impregnation technique.
► The μd and friction stability decreased with the increase of resin content.
► The composites possessed excellent wear resistance and had no harm to the couple.
► The optimized phenolic resin content was 25 wt%.