Friction and wear properties of phenolic composites with dual inorganic oxide‐modified titanate whiskers

Abstract Inorganic oxides, alumina and silica, were successively modified on titanate whiskers surface. Enrolled into phenolic resin, the phenolic/whisker composites were prepared by melting molding, with intentions for wearing property. The alumina‐coated whisker surface fulfilled wear resistance, while the outer silica layer was less stiff for compatible with polymer matrix. The dual surface modifications improved the whiskers dispersion in the matrix, enhanced interfacial adhesion, and significantly triggered wear resistance of the composites. With 7.5 wt% multiply modified whiskers involved, the phenolic composite showed specific wear rate of 0.49 × 10 ⁻⁵ mm ³ /Nm, remarkably lower than that of phenolic resin (4.79 × 10 ⁻⁵ mm ³ /Nm). The worn surface of the composites detected by a scanning electron microscope showed abrasive wear with slight fatigue wear. Optical microscope images indicated that the whisker‐filled composite had a shallow scratch on the worn surface, which positively favored wear resistance.