Tribological behaviour of natural fibre 3D braided woven fabric reinforced PLA composites

This study aims to investigate the potential of natural fibre 3D braided woven fabric (NFBF) reinforced PLA (poly lactic acid) composites for tribological applications. Composites with different fibre contents are prepared using film stacking process and hot press methods. Friction co-efficient and wear rate of the composites are analysed using pin-on-disc tribometer under dry contact sliding condition and various operating conditions (velocity and load) for a fixed sliding distance of 3000 m. The morphology of the worn surfaces is studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The reinforcement of fibre with the PLA reduced the polymer film generation and improved the surface roughness significantly. Wear rate of the composites are decreased drastically compared to pure PLA. Composite with 35 wt.% of NFBF reinforcement showed better wear characteristics.