Enhancing Abrasion Resistance in Jute/Epoxy Composites: The Role of Silicon Carbide Fillers in Wear Prevention

Natural fiber composites (NFCs) have garnered significant attention for their sustainability and cost-efficiency, particularly in applications demanding lightweight and eco-friendly materials. However, their mechanical and wear properties often require enhancement to meet the demands of structural and industrial applications. Hybrid composites, integrating fillers, offer a solution by improving the strength, stiffness, and abrasion resistance of NFCs. The current research investigates abrasive features of Jute fiber and silicon carbide (SiC) reinforced Epoxy based hybrid composites in a three-body abrasion scenario, examining various SiC loadings (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%). We conducted three-body abrasive wear tests to assess the specific wear rate across different combinations of these composites, taking into account filler content, abrasive distance, and applied load. The findings suggest that the incorporation of SiC as a filler in the composite leads to improved resistance against abrasion. To analyze the most influential factor affecting the abrasive behavior of these composites, we applied statistical methods, specifically Taguchi's L16 orthogonal array (OA). The statistical analysis revealed that the filler content is the primary factor influencing the abrasion resistance of the composites. Furthermore, we compared the experimental results with the predicted outcomes and found a strong agreement between them. Our SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) micrograph studies provided insight into the dynamics of three-body abrasive wear and the underlying micro mechanisms that dictate the wear performance of these composites.