Sliding wear characteristics of epoxy composites reinforced with steel wire and flax fiber mats: An experimental and analytical study

This study evaluates the sliding wear behavior of hybrid composites made of epoxy reinforced with alternating layers of flax fiber mats and steel wire mesh. The aim is to enhance the wear resistance of flax fiber-epoxy composites by incorporating steel wire mesh. Specifically, three composite types are produced by varying their stacking sequences using the simple hand layup technique. Dry sliding wear tests are performed on a pin-on-disc test rig under different conditions according to ASTM G99 standard. Taguchi analysis is performed using an L₂₅ orthogonal array and it reveals that sliding velocity is the most critical factor, followed by normal load, in affecting the wear rate of the steel-flax-epoxy hybrid composite. Subsequently, a steady-state wear analysis shows that sliding velocity and normal load increase the specific wear rate (SWR), while steel reinforcement decreases it. ANOVA results indicate that sliding velocity significantly impacts wear rates to the extent of 69.47% for flax-epoxy composite and more than 70% for flax-steel-epoxy composites. Additionally, electron microscopy is used to study the worn surfaces of the composites to determine the wear mechanisms.