Tribology Passive Protection of Friction Pair with Polystyrene

Abstract

This investigation aims at obtaining zero wear. New concept solid dynamics film lubrication is given. The effective separation of the friction pair by the film can result in zero wear. An aqueous lubrication agent was prepared from commercial polystyrene latex of 30–60 μm in diameter. The tribological behavior of the lubrication agent was evaluated with a block-on-ring tribology tester. The contacting state of the friction pair was evaluated in situ with a measurement device of electrical resistance. SEM was used to characterize the morphology of both the polystyrene latex and the wear scar of the slice. Results indicate that a solid dynamics film can be formed on the friction pair surface from the polystyrene latex. The thickness of the film is higher than the surface roughness of the friction pair. This solid film can effectively separate the friction pair so that zero wear can be obtained. Moreover, the film possesses excellent friction-reducing property. Under a low load such as 30N, a ball bearing effect can be observed, where the friction coefficient is too small to be measured.