Tribological performance of in-situ epoxy composites filled with micro-sized ZrB2 particles

The tribological performance of in-situ epoxy composites reinforced with micro-sized particles of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) were investigated in dry sliding conditions. The frictional heat flow in the contact areas was analyzed using finite element modeling. It was found that the dominant wear mechanisms of composites were changed from adhesive wear to abrasive wear due to the introduction of ZrB2 particles under the imposed sliding conditions. The coefficient of friction (CoF) and coefficient of wear K of composites decreased significantly with the increase of ZrB2 particle content. The increase in thermal conductivity due to the addition of ZrB2 particles was proposed to contribute to the enhanced wear resistance under given sliding conditions.