Abstract
Rollers of three different material structures were examined: rollers consisting of pure EP resin; homogeneous EP/SiC composite rollers containing 5 vol.% SiC; and EP/SiC composite rollers with functionally gradient (FG) material structure. Wear tests were performed on the rollers. The wear tests showed that rollers of gradient structure are the most wear-resistant of all. Microhardness measurements were performed on the materials of the three different rollers. SEM images were made of the surface of wear traces. In order to get to know better the effect of SiC reinforcement particles on the wear mechanism, microhardness measurements were simulated by 3D FE micro-models. The SEM images and the FE models were used to explain the excellent wear behavior of the tread of rollers with gradient material distribution.