Tribological properties of carbon fabric composite treated with plasma

The carbon fabric composites were prepared by dip-coating of the carbon fabric in a phenolic resin and solidified under pressure. The adhesive and extension properties of the carbon fabric composites were evaluated, the worn surfaces were analyzed, the chemical composition changes of plasma-treated carbon fabrics were analyzed, and the friction and wear behaviors of pure and plasma-treated carbon fabric composites were studied. The results show that the wear process of carbon fabric composites consists of the severe wear phase and the steady wear phase, and the wear of the carbon fabric composites in the severe wear phase is about 87% of the total wear. The active groups produced and the relative content of active element increased in the carbon fabric composites after plasma treatment, which improves the wettability of the carbon fabric with the adhesive and the combinative strength between the carbon fabric and the adhesive. The holistic strength of the composites was improved and the abilities of anti-distorting, anti-rupture of the carbon fibers were strengthened. The mechanical and tribological properties of the carbon fabric composites can be improved by plasma treatment.