Comparison of tribological performance of some neat polymer and polymers composites

In this study, the tribological performances of some neat polymers and graphite and wax filled polymer composites were examined, compared and evaluated. The investigated neat polymers are polyoxymethylene, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and polyamide (PA6) engineering polymers. The studied composites are 10 wt-% graphite and 6 wt-% wax filled PA6 polymer. Wear examination was performed on pin on disc arrangement. The test conditions were atmospheric, sliding speed range of 0·5–2·0 m s⁻¹ and contact pressure range of 1·77–5·31 MPa. Furthermore, scanning and optical examinations of worn surfaces were carried out and considered. The results show the insignificant variation in polymer tribological performance with the increase in combined speed and pressure factor values. It was concluded that the PA6+10 wt-% graphite composite showed the highest tribological performance and suggested its application at high speed environment. Finally, it is also concluded that the wear mechanism of the worn surfaces includes transfer film, deformation and adhesive processes.