An Analysis and Comparison of the Tribological Behavior of Two Polymers Sliding Against a Polymeric Composite

Abstract

Truo polyn~ers, zrltrt~high-molecular-~ueight polyethylene ( U H M W P E ) and polycarbonate, were slid dry against continz~ous fiber gruphitelepoxy comfiosites in multiple-pass friction and wear tesls. High and low valzces of load, speed, fiber orientation, and virgin .szr+ce roughness were used to find their effect on the coefficienl of friction and wear rate. Regression equations were develol)erl~ronr the data to help describe the effects of various independent vcr,rinbles. For the total distance slid of 176 m, there wa,s no significtr.at effect of sliding speed on coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction for U H M W P E was found to depend on sz~rface ro~rghness cnzd fiber orienlation. For polycarbonate, the coefficient ({friction IUUS very complex, containing a three-factor interaction betrueell normal load, su~face rozrghness, and fiber orientation. The roetr.r rule for U H M W P E runs a function of nor~nal load, surface ,ro71~gIr~~ess, und a nonlinear term i n normal load and surface rough11e.~s. The rueu,r mte for polycarbonate was signiJicantly affected by all vurial~les excep fiber orientation.