Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) filled with metals are widely studied to be used in industrial applications, such as gears, self-lubricated materials, sliding materials, flooring materials and brake lining materials. In view of this, the polymer matrix composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) with different metallic additives were prepared. The mechanical and tribological properties of the prepared composites will be tested to obtain the optimum composition and optimum properties. Oxides of copper and aluminum in form of very fine powder (0.5 microns) were used as reinforcement additive. Wear rates and coefficients of friction of proposed composites as a tribological measurement were performed by means of tribometer devices (Pin-on-Disk). Mechanically; compression test performed by means of universal testing machine and stress-strain curve have been constructed for composites. The results show that the increase of copper powder reinforcement in the PMCs (polymer matrix composites) remarkably decreased the friction coefficient of those composites and increased their wear resistance. Besides, the ultimate strength of polymer matrix composites improved with increasing copper content in the composites.
Ibrahim et al. (Tue,) studied this question.