Effect of load on the stick-slip phenomenon and wear behavior of EPDM

Abstract

Reciprocating friction and wear tests of the EPDM are carried out under various loads, and the composition of groups and compounds of EPDM before and after wear is revealed by FTIR and XRD. Then, the stick-slip behavior and wear resistance of EPDM under various loads are analyzed and investigated by real-time curves of the coefficient of friction, friction force, location and the change of friction force. Finally, the wear mechanism of EPDM under various loads is analyzed by the results of SEM. The results show that the stick-slip phenomenon occurs on the EPDM in different degrees under different loads. Neither the wear nor the change in load leads to the formation of new groups and compounds or the decomposition of existing groups and compounds in EPDM. The coefficient of friction does not change monotonically with increasing load, but tends to increase and then decrease. In addition, although the increase in load leads to increases in the lag time and the intensity of noise generated during the wear process, the rate of increase in the lag time and the intensity of noise slows down with increasing load. Meanwhile, with the increase in load, the number of granular debris changes, and banded debris and Schallamach waves become larger, which results in a change in the wear form between the grinding ball and EPDM.