Investigation of Tribological Properties of Two-Component Bidisperse Epoxy-Polyester Composite Materials for Its Use in the Friction Units of Means of Sea Transport

Abstract

The tribological properties of complex polymeric materials, which include epoxy and polyester resins, two hardeners and two microdispersed fillers: mica-muscovite, copper (II) oxide, were investigated in the work. The results of the testing of specimens at dry friction and in the lubricant were analyzed. It is proved, that the antifriction properties of the composite depend on its composition, formation technology and testing conditions. It has been experimentally determined, that the material which was tested in the lubricating environment – I_m = 0.25–0.30 mg/km, f = 0.03–0.04, differs with the improved indexes of wear rate and friction coefficient. As a result of the analysis of investigated microsurfaces studied by optical and electron microscopy, the phase heterogeneity of the composite material system was identified. It contributes to the reduction of the running-in distance of the specimen, and indicates the uniform distribution of the filler particles on the surface, has been found. The elemental composition of the compound was determined, which indicates the direct involvement of fillers in the process of friction. A change in the ratio of atoms on the specimen surface before and after the test was found. The results of the study of the surface in the phase contrast mode correlate with the results of the data obtained by electron microscopy.