Characterization and Optimization of Two-Body Abrasive Wear in Tropical Hardwoods: A Materials Engineering Approach

This study investigates the abrasive wear behavior of three tropical hardwood species Tieghemella heckelii (makore), Khaya anthotheca (mahogany), and Pericopsis elata (assamela) under varying loads and sliding speeds. Two-body abrasion tests were performed perpendicular to the fiber orientation using a Taber abrasimeter equipped with P120 aluminum oxide wheels. Tests were conducted under dry conditions at rotational speeds ranging from 20 to 70 rpm and loads of 250 g, 500 g, and 750 g. The wear coefficient (k) was calculated from the linear region of the wear volume versus sliding distance curve, representing the steady-state regime where the wear mechanism is stabilized. All species displayed a linear wear-volume relationship, confirming the relevance of Archard’s law. Among the tested species, assamela exhibited the lowest wear rates, while makore showed the highest. Interestingly, the wear coefficient decreased with increasing load, particularly between 250 g and 500 g, suggesting improved fiber compaction and reduced interfacial fragmentation under higher pressures. Sliding speed effects were nonlinear and species-dependent. Makore performed best at higher speeds and heavier loads, whereas mahogany displayed dual behavior optimized either under high-speed/low-load or low-speed/high-load conditions. Assamela showed more stable performance, with minimal wear occurring at intermediate speeds (50–60 rpm). Overall, the results highlight the critical interplay between wood anatomy, normal load, and sliding velocity in governing wear behavior. Identifying species specific operating regimes offers valuable insights for improving the durability of wood in applications involving mechanical contact and frictional stress.