Mechanical and tribochemical energy dissipation process in structural composites applied for complex rolling-sliding contact conditions: on-line analysis by means of computer vision and material response on meso-scale

Carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic polymers are structural materials with great potential for tribological applications (friction, wear). They build up a wear resistant layer in the friction contact zone, protecting the surfaces against ongoing wear.

In this project the nature the friction, wear and surface fatigue of carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastics in lubricated rolling-sliding contacts are experimentally investigated, using on-line wear monitoring techniques (e.g. microscopy and image processing). Additionally the fundamental tribochemistry of the self-protecting film on the composite contact surfaces is examined.