Load Dependent Wear Characteristics of Polymer-Metal Sliding

Abstract

In tribological applications, such as sliding bearing, polymers tends to wear more quickly than indicated in laboratory wear tests. The reason for this discrepancy has been attributed to the effect of loading conditions. In the current study, the influence of loading mode on the wear characteristics of polyamide (PA66) against steel counterpart was investigated in dry and wet sliding conditions. The polymer was tested under different static and cyclic loading conditions in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of its wear behavior. All tests were performed using reciprocating pin-on-plate tribometer which was constructed to perform wear tests under constant and cyclic loads at constant sliding speed. There was consistent evidence of the effect of loading mode on the wear behavior. At cyclic load, the polymer shows significant increase in wear rates than those found under constant load. Furthermore, under wet sliding, the polymer showed generally higher wear rates compared to dry tests.