Study on the friction and wear behavior of nano TiO₂-filled glass cloth composites

The friction and wear properties of the glass cloths reinforced with nano-TiO₂ and modified with silicon coupling agent (KH560) were studied using a pin-on-disk friction and wear tester. The worn surfaces were observed using a scanning electron microscope, while the Ti distribution in the resin adhesive containing various contents of nano-TiO₂ was determined using an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer. It was found that the friction and wear properties of the glass clothes were greatly improved by the modification with silicon coupling agent and reinforcing with nano-TiO₂. The filled glass cloth composite containing 5% nano-TiO₂ had the best friction and wear properties, and its load-carrying ability was also increased to some extent as compared with the unfilled glass cloth. At the same time, the friction and wear test temperature had a significant effect on the friction and wear properties of the glass cloth reinforced with nano-TiO₂. Namely, the filled glass cloth composites showed good friction and wear properties at ambient temperature, but its friction coefficient began to rise at a temperature over 200°C and its wear rate greatly increased thereat. When the friction and wear test temperature rose to 240°C, the glass cloth reinforced with nano-TiO₂ experienced severe wear, owing to the decomposition of the resin adhesive.