Enhancing the adhesive wear performance of polyetherimide composites through nano-particle treatment of the carbon fabric

Rare earth compound Ytterbium fluoride (YbF3) in nano-size (40–80 nm) was employed for surface treatment of carbon fabric (CF) to improve its wettability with polyetherimide matrix. Composites were developed based on untreated and surface-treated CF with three doses, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%, of YbF3 in ethyl alcohol suspension. The composites were analyzed for interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). Improvement in ILSS was observed for treated fabric reinforced composites and it was maximum (61%) for 0.3 wt% dose of YbF3. The adhesive wear performance of composites was evaluated by sliding a pin of composite against mild steel disc under varying loads (200–600 N). The treated fabric composites exhibited lower coefficient of friction (μ) and higher wear resistance (W R). ILSS and W R showed good linear correlation. Both properties were highest for 0.3% YbF3 dosing. Increased roughness of fiber surface and adhesion of nano-particles on the fiber surface was observed in scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies. SEM studies of worn surfaces of composites were performed to understand wear mechanisms. Atomic force microscopic studies indicated substantial increase in roughness value of CF.