Effect of Sebastiana rostrata Fiber Loading on the Tribological Behaviour of Polycaprolactone Biocomposite.

This study investigates the tribological performance of Sesbania rostrata fibers (SRFs) reinforced polycaprolactone (PCL) composites, focusing on the effects of fiber loading under varying normal loads. Composite samples with fiber contents of 10%, 20%, and 30% were tested at sliding velocities of 0.5 m/s and a fixed sliding distance of 500 m. Results show that the inclusion of SRFs significantly reduces the coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate (SWR) compared to neat PCL, particularly at fiber loadings up to 20%. Beyond this threshold, fiber agglomeration leads to increased wear. The results highlight the potential of SRF/PCL composites for use in wear-critical automotive and orthopedic applications due to improved load-bearing capability and surface resistance.