Tribological Properties of a Carbon Fabric Composite with Different Orientations of Fabric Layers to the Movement Direction during Friction

Abstract

The tribological properties of carbon–carbon antifriction composite materials reinforced with carbon fabric based on polyacrylonitrile and viscose raw materials have been studied. Tribological tests were carried out according to the ring–disc scheme paired with silicon carbide ceramics under dry friction conditions with different orientations of the composite fabric layers relative to the friction surface in the temperature range of 80–100°C. Dependences of the friction coefficient and wear rate on the fabric orientation relative to friction surface, structure of the composite, and properties of its structural components were obtained at a fixed load and sliding speed. The surface of composites was analyzed after tribological tests using scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry. The composites friction and wear mechanisms for different contact configurations and different material properties have been revealed. The characteristic features of composite individual structural (fibers, fiber bundles, layers of reinforcing fabric) frictional destruction have been determined. It has been established that the film of wear products formed on the friction surface has a decisive influence on the tribological characteristics of the studied materials. Combinations of the fabric base of the composite, its orientation relative to the friction surface, and the heat treatment mode of the material were determined, which simultaneously provide increased wear resistance and reduced friction in tandem with a ceramic counterbody.