Wear performance of vinyl ester reinforced with Musaceae fiber bundles sliding against different metallic surfaces

The aim of this work was to compare the effect of vinyl ester reinforced with Musaceae fiber bundles on tribological behavior while varying the composite´s fiber content and the counter-body’s material and surface roughness. Pin-on-disc test equipment was used to slide composites while keeping the test parameters fixed. SEM images were used to identify the wear mechanisms. Results demonstrate that composites have better wear resistance than neat resin but lack a clear behavior when fiber content is increased. The best material was the composite reinforced with 10wt% fiber. The primary wear mechanisms identified were adhesion, surface fatigue, crazing, fiber debonding and fractures. The transferred layer and debris are directly related to the discs’ roughness and not to their material.