Friction reduction in rolling bearing by using polymer additives

Abstract

The friction torque on the outer ring of a tapered roller bearing has been experimentally measured for a mineral oil (base oil), as well as for samples of the base oil additived with low-density polyethylene. The data show an important reduction of friction by introducing the polymer into the base oil due to the fi lm formed by the adsorption of macromolecular coils on the solid surface. The effectiveness of macromolecular additive contribution to friction behaviour is described in terms of polymer effi ciency, which shows maximum values at low polymer concentrations.