Tribological Characterisation and Morphological Study of Epoxy Composites filled with WS2 under Dry Sliding

The tribological behaviour of epoxy composites filled with Ws2 particulates were studied using a pin-on-disc wear apparatus under dry sliding conditions. The influence of friction and wear parameters like, percentage of filler content, normal load, sliding velocity and sliding distance on the friction and sliding wear rate were investigated. A plan of experiments, based on the Taguchi technique, was performed to acquire data in a controlled way. The Taguchi design of experiment approach eliminates the need for repeated experiments and thus saves time, material and cost. The results showed that filler content is the most predominant factor as far as the specific wear rate is concerned. The SEM images of the tested samples are also interpreted which shows the anisotropic wear and the wear mechanisms like three body abrasive wear.