M. Hartelt

Influence of Polymer Filler on Tribological Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Under Oscillating Sliding Conditions Against Cast Iron

The tribological behaviour of unfilled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and a polymer sphere filled (TPUG) thermoplastic polyurethane have been studied under oscillating sliding condition against cast iron as a counterpart. In the case of unfilled TPU, the wear mechanisms are dominated by particle detachment and roll formation. In principle, TPUG also showed a similar wear mechanism as that of unfilled TPU; in addition, particle pull-out and delamination are also observed. Wear volume of TPUG was significantly higher than that for the unfilled TPU and this is attributed to the different material removal processes taking place in the material during sliding. The polymer spheres as a filler material deteriorated the wear resistance of TPU because of improper adhesion and bonding of filler in the TPU matrix and therefore it contributed to more wear. In case of TPU the friction behaviour was strongly dependant on the temperature and surface roughness of the counter body. The results showed that below the glass transition temperature higher friction values are observed with higher counter body surface roughness. However, above the glass transition temperature, higher friction values are observed with a smoother surface roughness of the counter body. In case of TPUG, the friction behaviour was not significantly dependent on surface roughness of the counter body.

Tribological studies on polyetherketone composite under reciprocating sliding condition against steel cylinder

Tribological studies on neat polyetherketone (PEK) and glass fiber reinforced PEK composite were carried out at room and elevated temperature (120 ℃). The objective of this study was to characterize for friction and wear properties under dry reciprocating sliding condition at different experimental conditions. The polymer specimens were made to oscillate against steel cylinder as a counterpart. This kind of contact condition are frequently found in bushes, sliding bearing, electronic parts, seals, etc. The friction and wear behavior of neat PEK and composite was quite different at room temperature and elevated temperature. It was observed that glass fiber reinforcement is beneficial in controlling the wear of PEK matrix at room temperature than at elevated temperature. The test results are discussed by considering the surface properties i.e. material removal and film transfer formation. Scanning electron micrographs and optical micrographs of the worn polymer and steel cylinder was used to study the wear mechanisms.