Tribological performance of in-situ epoxy composites filled with micro-sized ZrB2 particles

The tribological performance of in-situ epoxy composites reinforced with micro-sized particles of zirconium diboride (ZrB 2 ) were investigated in dry sliding conditions. The frictional heat flow in the contact areas was analyzed using finite element modeling . It was found that the dominant wear mechanisms of composites were changed from adhesive wear to abrasive wear due to the introduction of ZrB 2 particles under the imposed sliding conditions. The coefficient of friction (CoF) and coefficient of wear K of composites decreased significantly with the increase of ZrB 2 particle content. The increase in thermal conductivity due to the addition of ZrB 2 particles was proposed to contribute to the enhanced wear resistance under given sliding conditions.