Enhanced Wear Resistance of CFRP Laminates via Carbon Nano-Particles Dispersed Surfaces

The wear behavior of CFRP laminates with nano-particles dispersed surfaces of Al2O3 or carbon has been investigated and compared with that of conventional CFRP which is without particles dispersed surfaces. As a result of comparison, it is shown that the CFRP laminate with Al2O3 nano-particles dispersed surfaces inherently had low coefficient of friction and high sliding wear resistance. The measured value of specific wear rate was 3.5x10-7mm3/Nm, independently of sliding time. The wear behavior of CFRP laminates with carbon nano-particles dispersed surfaces has been more effectively improved. The measured specific wear rate of this material was in the range of 10－ 7mm3/Nm in spite of comparatively small amount of nano-particles dispersion, which is relatively good as tribomaterial. For the successful application of this method, it is essential to explore the optimum amount of Al2O3 or carbon nano-particles to be dispersed onto prepreg surfaces. The deflocculation of the agglomerated particles and their homogeneous dispersion and good impregnation are the key points in this technology.