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Optimization of friction properties of kenaf polymer composite as an alternative friction material

Ashafie Mustafa (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Durian Tunggal, Malaysia)
Mohd Fadzli Bin Abdollah (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Durian Tunggal, Malaysia, and Centre for Advanced Research on Energy, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Durian Tunggal, Malaysia)
Hilmi Amiruddin (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Durian Tunggal, Malaysia, and Centre for Advanced Research on Energy, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Durian Tunggal, Malaysia)
Fairuz Fazillah Shuhimi (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Durian Tunggal, Malaysia)
Noryani Muhammad (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Durian Tunggal, Malaysia, and Centre for Advanced Research on Energy, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Durian Tunggal, Malaysia)

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology

ISSN: 0036-8792

Article publication date: 13 March 2017

215

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine the optimal parameters for friction coefficient of kenaf/epoxy (KE) composite as an alternative friction material.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of experiment was constructed using the Taguchi method. KE specimens were formed into 10 mm diameter pins using hot compression technique with different types, weight concentrations and treatments of kenaf. The samples were tested using a pin-on-disc tribometer at different applied loads, speeds and operating temperatures with a constant sliding distance of 3 km under dry sliding conditions.

Findings

The sample with 45 wt.% of non-treated kenaf fibre, tested at 19.62 N, 500 rpm and 100°C was found to be the optimized combination to obtain higher friction. From the confirmation test, the experimental friction coefficient is acceptable because of fall within 95 per cent confidence interval. Predominant wear mechanisms are identified as micro-crack and debonding of fibre.

Originality/value

KE composite can be considered as an alternative friction material, as the tested friction coefficient is within the suggested range for the friction material applications.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge contributions from the members of the Green Tribology and Engine Performance (G-TriboE) research group. This research was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (Grant number: RAGS/2013/FKM/TK01/03/B00042).

Citation

Mustafa, A., Abdollah, M.F.B., Amiruddin, H., Shuhimi, F.F. and Muhammad, N. (2017), "Optimization of friction properties of kenaf polymer composite as an alternative friction material", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 69 No. 2, pp. 259-266. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-05-2016-0118

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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