THE INFLUENCE OF UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION ON THE FRICTION COEFFICIENT (POLYMER–STEEL PAIR), WEAR, AND HARDNESS IN SELECTED THERMOPLASTICS

Abstract

Plastic plain bearings are deformed during assembly. According to one of the leading manufacturers of plastic sliding elements, the bushing’s internal diameter may be reduced by up to 2.5%. Moreover, plastic sliding elements are increasingly used in harsh conditions (e.g., under high pressure). However, there are no papers that describe the influence of deformation under compression on the tribological properties of plastics. Specimens made of PTFE, PA6, and PE-HD were deformed while conducting the current research, and this deformation was maintained during cooperation with steel. The results of microhardness, wear, and the coefficient of friction tests were compared to data gathered during tests of non-deformed specimens. During deformation under compression (e ≈ 6%), microhardness lowered by up to 30% (PTFE). A significant reduction of hardness (by up to 15%) was observed when strain was only 2%, and up to this value of strain, there is mainly elastic deformation in the polymer. Changes of the coefficient of friction values were insignificant. In terms of PTFE and PE-HD, during deformation under compression up to e ≈ 6% , the block scar volumes were 20% and 40% larger, respectively, than the non-deformed form of specimens. In terms of PA6, the change in block scar volume was insignificant. It may seem that tension and compression ought to cause totally different effects. However, the comparison of the current results and the results described in the previous paper exposes that these two different processes led to the same effects – reducing hardness and increasing wear. Deformation of plastic sliding components as an effect of assembly appears to be minor; however, it affects polymer microhardness and wear resistance.