Tribological properties of the epoxy resin-based solid lubricant coating modified by Kevlar fibers

Purpose This paper aims to obtain high mechanical and good tribological properties of epoxy resin-based coatings under dry friction conditions. Design/methodology/approach Bonded solid lubricant coatings containing Kevlar fibres were prepared by a spraying method. The friction and wear properties of the coatings were experimentally investigated with a face-to-face tribometre under dry friction conditions. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and 3D laser scanning technologies were used to characterise the tribological properties. The action mechanism of the Kevlar fibres on a solid lubricant transfer film was also analysed. Findings Adding Kevlar fibres can significantly improve the wear resistance of the coatings. When the Kevlar fibre content increases, the tribological properties of the coatings improve and then worsen. Superior properties are obtained with 0.03 g of Kevlar fibres. Appropriately increasing the load or speed is beneficial to the removal of the outer epoxy resin and the formation of a lubricant film. During friction, the solid lubricants wrapped in the epoxy resin accumulate on the surface to form a transfer film that shows a good self-lubricating performance. In the later friction stage, fatigue cracks occur on the solid lubricant film but cannot connect to one another because of the high wear resistance and the entanglement of the rod-like Kevlar fibres. Thus, no large-area film falls from the matrix, thereby ensuring the long-term functioning of solid lubricant coatings. Originality/value Epoxy resin-based solid lubricant coatings modified by Kevlar fibres were prepared, and their friction and wear properties were investigated. Their tribological mechanisms were also proposed. This work provided a basis for the analysis of the tribological properties and design of bonded solid lubricant coatings containing Kevlar fibres.