Effect of B4C Content on the Mechanical and Tribological Performances of Polypropylene

Abstract

Boron carbide (B4C) reinforced polypropylene (PP) was prepared by twin-screw extrusion and injection molding. In the present study, the effect of B4C content on the mechanical properties and wear behavior of the PP composites was studied. The tribological properties of the PP composites were investigated by a reciprocating wear tester under dry friction conditions. The results of the mechanical and wear test showed that the hardness and yield strength increased with increasing B4C content, while the incorporation of B4C into PP largely increased wear and friction under dry sliding. The composites have higher wear rates in comparison with unfilled PP and the greater the difference, the greater are the sliding velocities.