The Influence of Fibre Orientation on Tribological Performance of Jute Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites Considering Different Mat Orientations

In this study, hand lay-up technique was used to fabricate epoxy composite based on jute fibre mates. Three different orientations wew considered in the fabrication of the composites. The characteristics of the material removal from the surface of the composite due to sliding condition was investigated. Different applied loads were considered to gain different shear force in the interface. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the influence of the shear force on the interaction between the fibre and the resin after sliding at different orientations. The outcome would be significantly contributed to the knowledge of composite science and tribology. The main findings of the work was that fibre orientation has very significant influence of the wear and frictional performance of jute fibre reinforced epoxy composites. Sliding distance controls the running in and steady state wear behaviour of the composites especially when the composite was tested in parallel and antiparallel orientations. Wear resistance of the composites found to be better in the antiparallel orientation followed by parallel and then normal. Jute fibres gave very promising results to replace glass fibres for the same composites at the same operating conditions.