Fiber Surface Treatment Effects on Wear and Friction of Luffa/Polyester Composites

Abstract

In this work, the extracted fiber from the luffa plant is used as for making of composite with unsaturated polyester. As received (UT) and alkali treated fibers(NT) are used for making laminates. All the composites have been made with an optimal pressure of 50 kg/cm2 with room temperature curing of 12h. Evicted specimens were cut in to the dimensions as per respective ASTM standard. The surface treatment effects on the coefficient of friction (CoF) is measured using pin- on-disc wear set-up machine. Results shows that the impact strength of the composites increased afterward surface treatment. Meantime, the coefficient of friction also increased in the treated fiber composites. Experiment is conducted for three different sliding velocity for 3000m of abrading distance