Tribological properties of the composites made of pure and plasma treated-Nomex fabrics

The pure and air-plasma treated Nomex fabric was used to prepare Nomex fabric composites (NFC) by dip-coating in a phenolic resin and the relative mass content of Nomex fabric in the Nomex fabric composites is 65%. The friction coefficient, wear rate and the contact temperature of the Nomex fabric composites were evaluated with a Xuanwu-III high temperature friction and wear tester in a dry sliding condition. The change in the chemical compositions of the pure and air-plasma treated Nomex fabric at 19.8 W for 5 min were analyzed by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and FTIR. The morphologies of the worn surfaces for the Nomex fabric composites at different condition and of the pure and air-plasma treated-Nomex fiber were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is found that the friction-reduction and anti-wear properties of the Nomex fabric composites are significantly improved by air-plasma bombardment. The roughness on the treated-fiber surface and the active groups of ketone (CO) of the treated Nomex fabric increase during the bombardment process, which contribute to strengthen the bonding strength between the Nomex fabric and the adhesive and hence to improve the tribological properties of the composites. The applied load, sliding velocity and the environmental temperature affected the tribological properties of Nomex fabric composites. The friction coefficient, wear rate with contact temperature of the NFC coincided with each other.