Influence of date palm fibre and graphite filler on mechanical and wear characteristics of epoxy composites

Highlights: • Nature of the fibres controls the mechanical and the tribological behaviour of the composites. • The addition of the graphite worsens the tensile properties of the composite. • Addition of date palm fibre enhanced wear and frictional characteristics of composites. • The fibres strengthen the composite while the graphite generates lubricant film transfer. - Abstract: In this article, mechanical and tribological performance of the epoxy composites based on graphite filler and/or date palm fibre are comprehensively discussed. The influence of the date palm fibre and/or graphite filler on the microstructure of the materials, tensile fracture samples, and worn surface of tribological samples are examined using scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that interfacial adhesion of the date palm fibre with the epoxy is the key of the mechanical and tribological performance of natural fibre/polymer composites. The addition of the graphite is highly recommended for the natural fibre/polymer composites which can assist to reduce the friction which in turn enhances the wear characteristics of the polymer composites; however, the high content of the graphite deteriorates the mechanical properties