Tribological Behaviors of $SiO_2$ Added Polyester Matrix Thermosetting Composites

In this study, the tribological behavior of polyester matrix composites filled with silicon dioxide ($SiO_2$) particles is investigated. The tribological characteristics of pure polyester and 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt% $SiO_2$ filled polyester composites were comparatively evaluated under dry sliding conditions. Wear tests were carried out at room temperature under the loads of 10, 20, and 30 N at the sliding speed of 1 m/s. The wear test results showed that the $SiO_2$ particles could improve the wear resistance. The friction coefficient of the polyester was getting increased from 0.228 to 1.1052 with an increase in $SiO_2$ content depending on applied loads. The results showed that the wear rates of pure polyester and $SiO_2$ filled polyester composites increased with increase in loads. The wear rates of the $SiO_2$ filled polyester composites were significantly affected from the $SiO_2$ content. The wear rate of the polyester changed from 8.0 × $10^{-7}$ $mm^3$/m to 1.72 × $10^{-5}$ $mm^3$/m depending on $SiO_2$ contents and applied loads.