Progress in tribological properties of carbon fabric composites

Resin based high performance fabric reinforced composites is a unique advanced composite material, compared with composites reinforced by chopped fiber or filament, which is more conducive to transfer load between fibers because of the overall structure. It has many advantages such as high load capacity, excellent impact resistance, and excellent tear resistance, etc. Besides, it can drape or conform to curved surfaces without wrinkling. As to tribological applications, it was first used for bearing joints in aerospace and other high-tech fields, which increased their carrying capacity, wear resistance and maintenance-free service performance. With technology development and process improvement, the composites prices continue to decline and its friction properties start to be valued in civilian areas. Amongst these composites, carbon fabric composites have attracted overwhelming interest in tribology, due to their superior load capacity, heat resistance, and friction properties. Progress of research on constituents, processing technology and friction and wear mechanisms of carbon fabric composites are reviewed. The development prospect is also discussed.