Investigation on Effect of Industrial Waste on Tribological Properties of Polymer Composites

Particulate-filled polymer composites for various industrial and domestic tribological applications have become a domain of interest for researchers in recent times. Conventional fillers have been replaced by by-products and nano-sized fillers and the performance enhancement of the composites is being evaluated. In this study, fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion process, was used as filler from the perspective of reusing waste material that otherwise would cause pollution due to landfilling. It was reinforced into the Nylon 66 matrix in various weight fractions of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%. The wear tests were conducted at three sliding velocities of 2, 4, and 6 m/s at three normal loads of 25, 50, and 75 N; and at a constant sliding distance of 5000 m. Scanning electron microscopic observations were used to understand the wear mechanisms.