Tribo-mechanical properties of glass fibre reinforced polypropylene composites

Abstract Fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites are frequently used for structural applications. In this context, it is of particular importance how much the tribological properties of PP can be improved by fibre reinforcement. Based on experimental investigations, this issue is discussed in the article by studying the tribo-mechanical properties of different PP composites. The relevant parameters of friction and wear are presented in order to provide a comprehensive data set for applications. Additionally, the wear mechanisms are studied phenomenologically by means of optical microscopy. It was shown that the tribo-mechanical properties of PP can be significantly influenced with a suitable reinforcement.