ELASTOMERS AND PLASTICS Tribological Properties of Polyester Composites Filling by solid Lubricants

Lubricants contain solid contaminant particles that hinder their function in wear and friction reduction. These undesirable particles can be generated within machine components by abrasion and adhesion or entrained into the lubricating oil from the surrounding environment. Particles damage surface sand wear down machine elements, contributing to production system failure.

Polyester composites are extensively used in many tribological applications such as automotive and agricultural machinery as well as in the chemical industries. Polyester composites can be reinforced by agricultural fibers such as banana core, coconut coir, straw and palm leaves to replace glass fibers. Reinforcing polyester with agricultural fibers decreases friction coefficient and wear, and agricultural fibers has some advantages over traditional reinforcement materials such as glass fibers in terms of cost, density, renewability, abrasiveness and biodegradability.