Indentation hardness and sliding wear of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) resulting from the effects of adhesive film and additional thermal treatment

Abstract The primary objective of this study is to determine the optimal CFRP (Carbon Fibers Reinforced Polymer) structure with the most favourable mechanical and tribological properties for high-performance applications. The novelty of this work lies in the comprehensive analysis of the combined effect of adhesive film (AF) layers and additional annealing on the indentation hardness and sliding wear resistance of CFRP laminates. Although previous studies have investigated the tribological behaviour of CFRPs, our research uniquely evaluates how polymeric adhesive films, in conjunction with thermal treatment, influence structural integrity and wear resistance. This study specifically examines the role of different AF layers in friction resistance and wear mechanisms, which are crucial for applications involving high-stress sliding contact. Furthermore, a novel approach is presented to assess the effect of post-curing at elevated temperatures (140 °C) on the mechanical properties of CFRPs, particularly hardness and elastic modulus, which are critical for structural applications. By systematically comparing different laminate configurations and their response to sliding friction, this research contributes to the development of more durable and wear-resistant CFRP-based components for the aerospace and automotive industries. The novelty of this work lies in the comprehensive analysis of the combined effect of adhesive film (AF) layers and additional annealing on the indentation hardness and sliding wear resistance of CFRP laminates.