Work

An experimental study on two-body dry sliding wear characteristics of rice straw particle filled polylactic acid composites

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The current research aims to develop and examine the two-body abrasive wear properties of composites prepared with rice straw particles and polylactic acid (PLA), which are inexpensive, renewable, environmentally benign, and widely accessible for various uses. These composites were made by extruding and then injecting 200-micron rice straw particles that had been either untreated or chemically treated with an alkali. The fiber content in each type of composite varied between 10 wt% and 40 wt%. The present study followed ASTM guidelines and performed a two-body abrasive wear test. A PLA composite that was loaded with rice straw particles at 30 wt% outperformed its alternatives in terms of wear resistance. Using Taguchi (L16 orthogonal array) and ANOVA (analysis of variance) methodologies, the specific wear rate (SWR) of chemically treated and untreated 30 wt% particle-filled PLA composites was compared, with an additional focus on abrasive wear characteristics. After taking sliding distance and speed into account, the results for both treated and untreated composites showed that the applied load was the most important determinant in SWR rate (90.64%). There was strong agreement between the regression model results and the confirmation test results. No discernible fiber pullout or plowing of fibers in the matrix was seen at lower loads on either the treated or untreated composite abrasive surfaces. Sustainable composites made from lignocellulosic fibers and PLA are ideal for lower-load applications due to their affordability, environmental friendliness, and durability.

Source: Materials Research Express

DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/ae1889