Micro-abrasive wear of semi-crystalline polymers

Abstract

The abrasive wear of a series of four semi-crystalline polymers was investigated with a micro-scale abrasive wear tester. The wear of four semi-crystalline polymers: PA6.6, PBT, POM and PTFE was measured under specific test conditions. The silicon carbide slurry concentration and the load were varied. The wear coefficients of the polymers were compared with the (mechanical) properties. Scanning Electron Microscopy images showed that high slurry concentrations and low loads lead to three-body wear, while low slurry concentrations and high loads result in predominantly two-body grooving. Depending on the experimental conditions, several relations between wear and polymer properties can be found. Experimental conditions should, therefore, be carefully chosen to avoid different wear regimes while measuring a series of polymers. In order to compare the wear coefficient of polymers and obtain relations between wear and polymer properties one should be aware of the dominant wear mechanism.