Epoxy antifriction wollastonite-filled materials

Introduction. Domestic mineral natural-origin filler ‘wollastonite’, also known as calcium methyl silicate, is widely used as a base for wear-resisting epoxy antifriction materials. Due to anisodiametric shape of its particles, wollastonite functions as a micro reinforcement fibre enhancing adhesion strength and wear resistance of epoxy compositions, improving their antifriction properties, especially when organomodifying by quaternary ammonium salts. In this regard, the investigation of the impact of chemical composition of such surfactants as quaternary ammonium salts on the properties of epoxy compound materials presents utmost interest for researchers developing low-friction materials. Materials and methods. Epoxy diane resin ED-20 was hardened with aminoalkylphenol AF-2. Content of epoxy hardener was determined by equimolar ratio of epoxy groups to amine groups. Domestic wollastonite of the grade Miwoll 10-97 was used as filler, particle length to the diameter correlated as 15:1. The wollastonite surface was activated with surfactants belonging to domestically produced quaternary ammonium salts. Wear resistance of specimens was tested by means of the vertical optical caliper IZV-1. Friction coefficient was estimated with the assistance of the computer-automated frictional machine CSM Instruments Tribometer. Adhesion strength of glue joint was determined as per GOST 28840-90 standard. Two bars of sheet aluminium were used as glued surfaces as per GOST 14759-69 standard. Results. Reduction of wear of epoxy coatings when modified with micro reinforcing wollastonite can be explained by the increase of cross-linking degree of the polymer. The length of alkyl radical of quaternary ammonium salts used for wollastonite surface activation affects the intervals between the epoxy links. As the quaternary ammonium salt chain length is growing, wear of epoxy materials is reducing. Introduction of the wollastonite containing metallic oxides in the epoxy composites increases wear resistance and adhesion strength and reduces coating friction coefficients. Conclusions. Hardened with the AF-2 and filled with the wollastonite of the Miwoll 10-97 grade, the epoxy compound materials have enhanced wear resistance and adhesion strength and lower friction coefficient. The best result is observed when applying wollastonite modified with a surfactant belonging to the class of quaternary ammonium salts. The wollastonite can be used for practical purposes as a perspective reinforcing agent for epoxy materials with improved wear resistance, enhanced adhesion to metals and reduced friction coefficient.