Investigation into Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Hollow Glass Microsphere (HGM) Reinforced Epoxy Composite

Abstract

In the present work hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) filled epoxy composite with filler content from 0 to 20 wt. % were prepared in order to improve the abrasive wear and mechanical properties of epoxy. Tensile strength and impact strength were determined experimentally. Abrasive wear test was conducted using pin-on-disc wear tester. Composites having 0, 10, 15, and 20 weight fraction of HGM filled epoxy have been prepared in the laboratory by using a self-designed mould. All the experiments were conducted as per ASTM standard. It was found that as the reinforcement (HGM) increases from 0 to 20 wt. % the wear resistance as well as mechanical properties of composite increases. The enhancement in these properties is related to strong bonding between the HGM and epoxy which might have happened due to formation of an interphase between the HGM and epoxy-matrix. SEM (scanned electron microscope) studies were also carried out to know the fracture behaviour of the composite.