Influence of fiber content on mechanical, tribological properties of short basalt fiber-reinforced nylon 6 and polypropylene composites
摘要整理
The aim of this study is to improve the physical, mechanical, and tribological properties of nylon 6 and polypropylene by reinforcing short basalt fibers (SBFs) of different weight percentages (2.5 and 5 wt%) using melt blending in a twin-screw extruder, followed by injection molding process. The control specimens without reinforcements were also prepared to compare and investigate the influence of fiber content on the properties. Density, tensile, flexural, hardness, impact strength, and tribological characterizations were performed according to ASTM standard. The results show that 5-wt% SBF-reinforced nylon composites exhibit maximum improvement in tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, and specific wear rate. Wear mechanisms were also identified using field-emission scanning electron microscope by examining the surface morphology before and after wear. The observation reveals aligned, undamaged fibers during shear mixing and injection molding. The adhesion between fiber/nylon matrix and stepped fracture in the matrix is also spotted.