Tribological performance of self-lubricated polyamide6/boric oxide composites after water conditioning

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the tribological performance, i.e. abrasion resistance, friction coefficient and wear rates, of self-lubricated water conditioned polyamide6/boric oxide composites.Design/methodology/approachPolyamide6 and polyamide6/boric oxide self-lubricated composites were immersed in water for 15 days to analyze the effect of water conditioning on friction, wear and abrasion resistance. Tribological testing on pin-on-disc tribometer and abrasion resistance testing on TABER abrader were performed to see the friction coefficient and wear rates of materials. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterizations were performed to analyze the wear tracks.FindingsTribological testing results revealed the loss in abrasive resistance, but there was an improvement in frictional coefficient and wear rates with steel after water absorption. The SEM images clearly show less depth of wear tracks in water-conditioned materials than dry ones. Water conditioning was found supportive in the formation of smooth lubricating transfer film on steel disc during the tribological testing.Originality/valueThe tribological behaviour of polymer composites is different in dry and in high humidity or water conditions. Experiments were performed to investigate B2O3 solid lubricant filler effectiveness on tribological behaviour of water-conditioned polyamide composites. Bonding between polyamide6 and water molecules plus the formation of orthoboric acid was found advantageous in decreasing the friction coefficient and wear rates of composites.