Tribological Behavior of Micronized Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PP/PA6 Composites under Dry Sliding Conditions

The tribological performance of polymer-based composites is governed not only by the characteristics of the matrix but also by the properties of the reinforcing phase and the imposed contact conditions. In this study, the friction and wear behavior of PP/PA6 blend composites containing micronized carbon fiber was experimentally investigated under dry sliding conditions. Composite specimens with different material configurations were produced and tested using a pin-on-disc system under various normal loads and sliding speeds. All experiments were performed under dry contact conditions over a constant sliding distance of 1000 m. The evolution of the coefficient of friction with sliding distance was continuously recorded throughout the tests, and the resulting tribological responses were comparatively examined with respect to the applied operating conditions. After testing, the wear tracks formed on the disc surfaces were characterized by optical microscopy, and the observed surface features were evaluated in relation to the measured friction behavior. This experimental approach enables the tribological response of micronized carbon fiber-reinforced PP/PA6 composites under varying contact and sliding conditions to be assessed without limiting the analysis to a single operating parameter. The study therefore provides a basis for understanding the role of micronized carbon fiber reinforcement in the friction and wear processes of PP/PA6-based thermoplastic blend composites and for evaluating their behavior under dry-sliding conditions.