Analysis of the Impact of Graphite Addition on the Tribological Properties of Composites with Polyester-Glass Recyclate.

Composites are increasingly being modified with various types of fillers and nanofillers. These materials have attracted much attention due to the improvement in their properties compared to traditional composite materials. In the case of advanced technologies, adding additives to the matrix has created a number of possibilities for use in many industries, from electronics to mechanics. Mechanical recycling of composites allows them to be reused as a filler in new composite materials; however, a decrease in their strength parameters is observed, and hence, new possibilities of their use are sought. The main objective of this research was to analyze the effect of the graphite content on the tribological and structural properties of composites with polyester-glass recyclate. Composite materials with 10% polyester-glass recyclate and an additive in the form of graphite in the amounts of 0%, 2%, 5%, 10% were made using the hand lamination method and their mechanical properties were verified. Then, using a universal tribometer operating in rotational motion with friction without lubrication, the influence of nanoadditives on the change in the coefficient of friction (µ) and the change in the coefficient K (the rate of a mass wear) of the obtained composites was investigated. This study showed that adding graphite in the amount of 2%, 5%, and 10% changes the nature of tribological wear of the obtained composite material. The coefficient K (mass wear rate) also changes. The addition of 10% graphite significantly changes the coefficient of friction without lubrication in a pair with a steel counter-sample.