Enhancing the wear resistance and coefficient of friction of composite marine journal bearings utilizing nano-WC particles

Abstract In maritime applications, journal bearings are an essential part in guaranteeing the effectiveness and performance of machinery. Nonetheless, a variety of environmental elements, including wear and friction, have a substantial impact on the bearings’ lifespan and functionality. The development of novel composite materials with enhanced mechanical characteristics is necessary to address these issues. In this context, the use of epoxy reinforced with glass fiber and carbon, with the addition of reinforcing materials such as nano-tungsten carbide (WC), is a promising strategy to improve the performance of bearings. This research contributed to the improvement of the tribological properties of the friction coefficient and wear resistance of journal bearings that are used in marine applications. The research includes preparing samples of epoxy composites reinforced with different weight percentages (1, 1.5, and 2%) of nanoparticles of WC, mixed with 8% chopped glass fibers, 8% chopped carbon fibers, and a mixture of chopped (4% glass + 4% carbon) fibers. The mechanical tests were done according to standard tests to get an idea about the improvement in wear resistance and coefficient of friction for composite samples. The results indicated that pure epoxy had the highest wear rate and friction coefficient compared to the fiber-reinforced samples. The addition of chopped glass and carbon fibers improves the wear and friction properties of the composite. Introducing different ratios of nanoparticles of WC will improve the wear rate and friction coefficient significantly. In this study, the optimum combination was achieved using a mixture of 4% chopped carbon fiber, 4% chopped glass fiber, and 1.5% nanoparticles of WC. Since this ratio revealed a significant friction coefficient value of 1.55 × 10 −5 g/m) and improvement in wear resistance by 117.33% at high loading (15 N) and a friction coefficient value of 0.623 × 10 −5 (g/m) and improvement in wear resistance by 58.10% at low loading (10 N), respectively. Furthermore, a friction coefficient value of 0.12 and improvement in wear resistance by 83.78% at high loading, and a friction coefficient value of 0.08 and improvement in wear resistance of 86.66% at low loading were observed.