Carbon Nanofiber Reinforced and PU-toughened POM Ternary Composites: Friction, Wear and Creep Properties

Composites composed of polyoxymethylene (POM), polyurethane (PU) and carbon nanofiber (CNF) were produced by water-mediated melt compounding. PU latex and/or aqueous CNF dispersion were introduced into the molten POM in laboratory kneader to prepare toughened and/or nanoreinforced POM composites. The dispersion of the CNF was inspected using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties (friction, wear and creep strain) of the composites were determined by roller (steel)-on-plate (ROP) and creep tensile tests. It was found that CNF worked as a reinforcement and improved the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear. It was also found that, the creep resistance decreases with increasing time, temperature and addition of CNF.