Comparative Evaluation of the Tribological Properties of Polymer Materials with Similar Shore Hardness Working in Metal–Polymer Friction Systems

Abstract

This article presents comparative tests of contact strength and tribological wear resistance of polymer sliding materials of the polyamide group. The aim of this work was to study Shore hardness, indentation hardness, modulus, creep, relaxation, Martens hardness and sliding wear resistance of two commercial materials. One of these materials was produced with the recycling process in mind. Abrasion tests were performed against a stainless-steel ball (100CRr6) on a normal load of 5 N for 23,830 friction cycles. The samples were tested under dry friction conditions and taking into account the hydrothermal factor, the presence of which was assumed in the anticipated operating conditions. It was distilled water at a temperature of 50 °C. The volumetric wear of the samples under various environmental conditions was assessed and related to the mechanical properties, in particular, Shore hardness. This mechanical size, which characterizes the surface, was considered the most frequently used by engineers selecting polymeric materials for tribological applications in industry. The Shore hardness of both materials was similar, which may indicate similar tribological performance properties. However, research and analysis indicate the need to use measures that directly correspond to tribological wear. The friction and wear of both materials varied. The coefficient of friction in hydrothermal conditions was lower and the wear was higher than in the dry friction test. It seems that it was not hardness that determined the suitability in the anticipated operating conditions, but the ability to form a sliding layer on the friction surface. The properties of the material that has been envisaged as a replacement may be appropriate for the intended uses.

Optimizing Weight Fractions and Chemical Treatments to Increase the Shore Hardness of Woven E-Glass, Woven Jute, and Kenaf Hybrid Composite Laminates

“…In the context of determining surface hardness, Shore hardness conventionally involves assessing whether a test surface is susceptible to scratching by one of the prescribed mineral requirements (Akbay and Ekincioglu 2021). Shore hardness measurements are frequently used in the plastics sector to evaluate surface strength; nevertheless, test findings show that different materials have different sliding qualities and wear resistance despite having comparable Shore hardness (Pieniak et al 2023). The Shore hardness range consists of two distinct categories, namely Shore A for materials with lower hardness levels and Shore D for materials with higher hardness levels (Wang et al 2023).…”

Comprehensive Analysis of Different Coating Materials on the POM Substrate

“…In recent decades, engineering components made of different polymeric materials have found extensive use in various engineering applications, offering several advantages over metal components, particularly in office appliances, computer and laboratory equipment, mechatronic devices, household facilities, and medical instruments [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Firstly, the mass production of polymeric machine parts and structural components is more cost-effective, especially when utilising injection moulding.…”