Effect of carbon fiber reinforcement on the mechanical and tribological properties of polyamide6/polyphenylene sulfide composites

Polymer-based composite reinforced by fibrous filler has aroused wide concern in the field of tribology and material science. In this manuscript, the effect of carbon fiber (CF) as filler on the structure, mechanical and tribological properties of the polyamide6/polyphenylene sulfide (PA6/PPS) composites were investigated carefully in order to provide a practical guidance for the use of the polymer-based composites. It was found that the introducing of carbon fibers improved strength, modulus and hardness of the PA6/PPS blend apparently while breaking elongation rate and impact strength just decreased in a small degree. Average friction coefficient value of the carbon fiber-reinforced PA6/PPS composites (PA6/PPS-CF) was lower than PA6/PPS blend at the stable stage. As the content of carbon fiber increased, the wear rate of the PA6/PPS-CF composites trended to increase. Under the friction condition of high applied load or high sliding speed, the friction coefficient of the PA6/PPS-CF composites inclined to decrease while wear rate increased. When slided under a relatively high load of 20 N or high speed of 1500 r/min, the wear resistance of PA6/PPS-CF behaved was better as the content of carbon fiber increased. Scanning electron microscopy of worn surface morphology has revealed that the main wear mechanism of the PA6/PPS-CF composites were adhesive wear.

► Carbon fiber was introduced into the PA6/PPS blend.
► Strength, modulus and hardness of the PA6/PPS composites improved apparently.
► Friction coefficient was reduced with the addition of CF into PA6/PPS blend.
► Tribological behavior under different time, load and speed was investigated.
► Practical guidance can be provided for the application of the composites.