Sustainable Tribological Materials: Biodegradable Aloe Vera Natural Fiber with Epoxy Composites

This work explores the tribological behavior of aloe vera fiber reinforced epoxy biodegradable composites using pin-on-disc apparatus with varying Sliding Distance (SD), Sliding Speed (SS), Applied Load (AL), and assessing the Wear Loss (WL) and Coefficient of Friction (CoF). Investigations are designed based on Box-Behnken design (DDB) and simultaneously, it is optimized using desirability analysis. Observation shows that an increase in AL intensifies the material removal, leading to higher WL. Besides, SS influences both the frictional heating and the dynamic response of the contact interface. As SS increases, frictional heat softens the surface by contributing higher WL, due to thermal-assisted wear. CoF may either rise due to surface instability or decline if lubrication and surface films are enhanced. The SD exposes the surface to more wear cycles, leading to progressive material degradation and higher WL. Also, desirability analysis shows an ideal condition of an AL of 10.6445 N, SS of 1.83267 m/s, and an SD of 1706.68 m. Moreover, performance of confirmation experiment shows closer prediction and wear resilient characteristics. Future scope of work relies on hybrid reinforcement with other natural fibers, hybrid optimization approach, process capability and economic and life cycle assessment for usage of these materials in different applications.