Tribological behaviour of modified polyacetal against MC nylon without lubrication

Compared with other polymers, polyacetal or polyoxymethylene (POM) which is widely used as bearing, guide, gear and other sliding parts, has high strength and stiffness, excellent chemical resistance and superior antifriction and wear resistance. To improve the toughness and self‐lubrication capacity of POM due to its higher crystallizability, other components, which include toughening phase and solid lubricants, are often added to the POM matrix. This paper deals with the friction and wear behaviours of POM which was modified by the toughening phase polyurethane (PU) and filled with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and silicone oil, during rubbing against MC nylon without liquid lubrication. Friction and wear tests show the tribological performance of the modified POM (M‐POM) with 10 wt% PU is better than those of pure POM and POM blended with PTFE under dry friction. The frictional coefficient of the M‐POM decreases with increasing nominal load. The sliding velocity has a more obvious effect on the tribological properties of the M‐POM than the nominal load. The higher sliding velocity leads to thermal degradation and melting of the experimental polymers because of the frictional heat. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Investigation of the friction and wear behaviors of polyoxymethylene/linear low-density polyethylene/ethylene-acrylic-acid blends

The friction and wear behavior of polyoxymethylene/linear low-density polyethylene/ethylene-acrylic acid (POM/LLDPE/EAA) blends is explored using an MM-200 wear tester. The results show that the friction and wear properties of POM were greatly improved after an amount of LLDPE and EAA was added. The friction coefficient and wear scar width of POM are much higher than those of POM/LLDPE/EAA blends under the same condition. The SEM analyses show that POM and POM/LLDPE/EAA blends exhibit totally different wear mechanisms. The wear mechanism of POM is dominated by adhesive. The transfer film of POM is formed on the surface of the steel counterpart. For POM/LLDPE/EAA blend, the lamellar debris is found on the steel ring surface sliding against POM/LLDPE/EAA blend, which helps to decrease the friction coefficient and wear scar width. The lubricate layer formed in the contact surface prevents the bulk from serious wear. Therefore the friction coefficient of POM/LLDPE/EAA blend thus reduced remarkably and anti-wear property got greatly improved.     

纳米Al2O3填充LDPE/POM复合材料的力学和摩擦性能研究

采用挤出混合与注塑成型制备出不同含量的纳米Al2O3填充LDPE/POM复合材料,并进行力学和摩擦磨损性能实验。结果表明,随着纳米Al2O3的增加,LDPE/POM复合材料的缺口冲击性能先提高后降低,其中添加8%纳米Al2O3后复合材料的缺口冲击强度提高了近3倍;添加Al2O3纳米粒子后增加了复合材料的摩擦因数,但对耐磨性影响不大。由于纳米Al2O3作为刚性粒子可以提高材料的硬度,因此复合材料仍表现出良好的耐磨性;然而纳米粒子在摩擦表面富集,产生了犁沟现象,因此提高了材料的摩擦因数。     

Wear properties of UHMWPE/aromatic thermosetting copolyester blends in unlubricated sliding

To improve the wear resistance of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), blends of UHMWPE, and an aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) (50/50, v/v) were developed, taking advantage of the crosslinked structure and good wear resistance of ATSP. As a compatibilizer, poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) (PEA) was added into the blends with its contents changing from 0 to 20% (w/w). Dynamometer wear tests (sliding against stainless steel surface with contact pressure ranging from 600 to 2500 kPa) showed that the UHMWPE/ATSP blend with 10% PEA had lower wear rate than the UHMWPE sample. The improved wear resistance resulted from the change of the wear mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the worn surfaces revealed that the presence of ATSP and PEA would prevent the lamellar alignment in the UHMWPE phase and adding PEA effectively enhanced the interaction between UHMWPE and ATSP.     

再生聚四氟乙烯粉末填充聚甲醛复合材料的摩擦磨损特性研究

采用直接回收利用法,将废弃聚四氟乙烯(PTFE)再生成PTFE粉末后填充到聚甲醛(POM)中,机械共混后采用模压法制备出不同配方的POM复合材料,分别进行摩擦磨损实验,并用SEM观察试样的磨损表面。结果表明:填充POM复合材料与未填充POM相比,摩擦因数降低,耐磨性提高。因此,PTFE进行二次资源化是可行的。     

Tribo-investigation on PTFE lubricated PEEK in harsh operating conditions

A series of blends with Polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) powder and Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) was developed by varying the PTFE contents in steps of 5 wt.% from 0 to 20 wt.%. The composites were evaluated for their friction and wear properties at room temperature as well as high temperature in low amplitude oscillating wear (LAOW) mode against steel (100 Cr 6) ball against polymer plate. The same blends were also evaluated in abrasive wear mode to study the influence of harsh operating conditions on wear and friction performance. Incorporation of PTFE benefited PEEK in various ways such as it increased the tribo-utility of the latter by increasing its limiting load value, removing its stick-slip tendency, lowering coefficient of friction and specific wear rate significantly. With increase in PTFE content, benefits to the wear performance increased regularly. This was not the case for friction coefficient. Lowest μ was recorded for 15% PTFE contents. The enhancement in wear and friction performance, however, was at the cost of strength properties which decreased substantially with increase in PTFE content. At 100 °C, friction coefficient and wear rates of all blends increased marginally. In abrasive wear mode, on the other hand, PTFE filled PEEK showed poorer wear resistance than neat PEEK. This was correlated with strength properties and it was observed that these blends closely followed the predictions of Ratner–Lancaster plot. SEM was used to examine the micro-structural features of worn surfaces.     

聚甲醛复合材料在不同载荷和转速下的摩擦学特性

为了考察外界条件对聚甲醛复合材料摩擦学特性的影响,用摩擦磨损实验对模压法制备的Ekonol/POM和Ekonol/G/MoS2/POM复合材料在不同载荷和转速下的摩擦学性能进行了研究,并用扫描电镜(SEM)对磨损表面进行了观察和分析,在此基础上探讨了复合材料在不同条件下的磨损机制。结果表明:随着载荷或转速的增加,聚甲醛(POM)及其复合材料的摩擦因数呈先增大后减小的趋势,而材料的磨损量则随着载荷或转速的增加而增大;随着载荷或转速的提高,ZOGM20的磨损机制发生了由粘着磨损到疲劳磨损再向塑性流动的转变。     

Microstructure of PTFE-Based Polymer Blends and Their Tribological Behaviors Under Aqueous Environment

Four polytetrafluoroethylene-based polymer blends (PTFE blends) with polyimide (PI), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), poly(phenyl p-hydroxybenzoate) (PHBA), and perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer (FEP) were prepared by compression molding and follow-up sintering. Their microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscope. And the tribological behaviors of PTFE blends sliding against 316 steel under pure water and sea water lubrication were comparatively evaluated using block-on-ring tribology test rig. The worn surface of counterpart was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that by blending with the four polymers, PTFE exhibited the transformed microstructure and improved wear resistance. Compared with FEP, rigid polymers PI, PHBA, and PEEK can enhance the wear resistance of PTFE greatly because they can effectively improve the load-carrying capacity of PTFE matrix and can more efficiently prevent the crystalline bands of PTFE from being pulled out. However, because of the weak inhibition on the pulling out of PTFE crystalline bands, FEP cannot enhance the wear resistance of PTFE as significantly as other polymers. In addition, the friction coefficients and wear rates of PTFE and its blends were lower under the lubrication of sea water than under the lubrication of pure water, which was ascribed to more excellent lubricating effect of sea water originating from the deposition of CaCO₃ and Mg(OH)₂ onto the sliding surfaces.     

过氧化二异丙苯和酚醛树脂对HDPE/GTR共混物的原位反应性增容

采用过氧化二异丙苯(DCP)和热塑性酚醛树脂(HY-2045)在未添加催化剂时实现了对高密度聚乙烯(HDPE)/废旧轮胎胶粉(GTR)共混物的原位反应性增容, 并研究了其对共混物的微观形貌、 应力-应变曲线、 动态力学性能和结晶性能的影响. 扫描电镜结果显示, 共混物橡塑界面处有大量的纤维状物质同时嵌入到基体相和分散相中, 使得共混物的界面强度得到显著增加, 从而获得较好的综合力学性能. 差式扫描热量(DSC)和X射线衍射(XRD)测试结果表明, 原位增容后的共混物的结晶度显著降低, 致使其明显的拉伸屈服现象消失. 由于反应型增容剂DCP和HY-2045使得共混物在界面处形成化学交联, 尽管其结晶度有所降低, 但是其拉伸强度和断裂伸长率还是得到了显著的增加. 另外, 动态力学性能测试表明, 增容后的HDPE/GTR共混物中GTR相的玻璃化转变峰变宽, 玻璃化转变温度升高.     

Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Ekonol Blends as Frictional Materials of Ultrasonic Motors

While high friction coefficients and good wear resistance are antagonistic properties of most materials, these properties are expected to promote excellent torque-speed characteristics and extend the life span of ultrasonic motors. Blending is an accepted technique for modifying tribological applications. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid polymer (Ekonol) blends with different compositions, and proportions were prepared through mechanical blending. Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), poly(etheretherketone), and poly(phylenesulfide) (PPS) were selected as dispersed phases. The mechanical properties of the blends were investigated, and their tribological performance was tested using a block-on-ring wear meter. The worn surfaces of Ekonol blends were observed using a scanning electron microscope to elucidate the relevant wear mechanisms. Results showed that the dispersed phases have distinct effects on the impact strength and hardness, as well as friction coefficient and wear rate, of the blends. Curves of hardness and friction coefficient versus the dispersed phase content showed apparent similarities, which indicates that hardness influences the friction of polymer blends in contact with carbon steel. Worn tracks on the surfaces of different polymer materials showed that the dominant wear mechanism transforms from fatigue and abrasion into adhesion with the addition of a dispersed phase; delamination was observed in the transfer films, especially those formed by the Ekonol/PTFE and Ekonol/PPS blends.     

Tribological Characterization of Aromatic Thermosetting Copolyester–PTFE Blends in Air Conditioning Compressor Environment

The tribological behavior of a wide range of compositions using blends of aromatic thermosetting polyester (ATSP) with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been investigated. PTFE was chosen as the blending material because of its low coefficient of friction and good performance at high temperatures and resistance to chemicals. ATSP blends were used to specifically combat some of the shortcomings of PTFE like its extremely low wear resistance and poor mechanical properties, and special processing requirements due to its high melt viscosity. Controlled tribological experiments simulating an air conditioning compressor operating with R134a refrigerant under realistic operating conditions were carried out with different ATSP/PTFE compositions, as well as four different state-of-the-art commercially available composites containing carbon fibers, graphite and PTFE. It was found that the newly synthesized composites exhibited superb tribological characteristics as far as low friction and low wear were concerned. The wear performance of PTFE was greatly improved, while it was shown that greater amounts of ATSP used in the blend lead to lower wear and the amount of ATSP did not significantly alter the friction coefficient. Material transfer and development of a weak film on the disk surface was observed, especially for the blends with higher PTFE content.     

Influence of PP-g-MA Compatibilization on the Mechanical and Wear Properties of Polypropylene/Thermoplastic Polyurethane Blends

Polypropylene/thermoplastic polyurethane (PP/TPU) blends of different weight ratios (75/25 and 25/75) were processed by melt blending using a maleic anhydride–grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) copolymer as coupling agent. The influence of the amount of the coupling agent (0, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 phr) on the mechanical, frictional, and wear properties of the blends were characterized through tensile test, three-point bending, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and ball-on-disc wear tests. PP-g-MA was found to be an effective compatibilizer for PP/TPU blends, and mechanical and wear properties of the blends were proved to be strongly impacted by the amount of coupling agent. Tensile strength of the blends tends to increase with increasing the PP-g-MA content and 9 phr is found to be optimal for both concentrations of the blends. Good miscibility of the blends with increasing compatibilizer content was also verified by DMA. From the wear test results, the compatibilizer was found to be more effective in PP₇₅/TPU₂₅ blends, in parallel with the results of the mechanical tests. The PP₇₅/TPU₂₅ blend with 11 phr PP-g-MA content was superior to the other blends. In addition, in this work, a new model based on image processing is proposed that provides accurate and fast wear rate measurement and detailed information of the wear track, especially in heterogeneous materials. Using the model, the homogeneity of the wear track widths was proved to be strongly impacted and improved by the use of a coupling agent.     

Physical and tribological properties of PTFE micropowder-filled EPDM rubber

The physical and tribological properties of ethylene-propylene-diene-rubber (EPDM) filled with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micropowders, i.e. MP1100 and MP1200 having chemically similar but distinctive microstructural morphology have been investigated. EPDM-PTFE micropowder blends filled with MP1200 having a solid granular structure, showed poor tensile strength and elongation at break but significantly improved tribological properties. It attained both the lowest steady-state friction coefficient and specific wear rate. However, EPDM-PTFE blends containing a fine agglomerated PTFE micropowder of MP1100 showed enhanced physical properties. Its increasing tensile strength and elongation at break with PTFE micropowder loading compared to MP1200-filled EPDM blend was essentially due to its characteristic morphology, which enhanced its dispersion and compatibility with EPDM. It showed specific wear rate similar to MP1200-filled EPDM but resulted in high friction coefficient. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the PTFE micropowders and the corresponding PTFE micropowder-filled EPDM blends suggest that agglomerates morphology, dispersion and interfacial compatibility with EPDM are the key factors influencing physical and tribological properties of these compounds.     

Characterization and selectivity studies of molecular imprinted membranes of Puerarin using scanning electron microscopy

Molecular-imprinted membranes of Puerarin were prepared by phase inversion technique with acrylonitrile-acrylic acid copolymer (P (AN-co-AA)). To characterize P (AN-co-AA), ubbelohde viscometer was used to measure its viscosity-molecular weight. P (AN-co-AA) with different molecular weight was used to prepare membranes. The copolymer-dimethyl sulfoxide solution with Puerarin (PU) template was coagulated in water at various temperatures. The increase in P (AN-co-AA) molecular weight and the decrease in coagulation temperature caused an increase in PU recognition property of the resultant membrane. The PU imprinted membrane prepared with P (AN-co-AA) showed good selective ability to PU. The purity of PU increased from 56.51 to 98.41 wt%. Surface and cross-section morphology of the membranes were analyzed by using scanning electron micrograph. High-performance liquid chromatography was used for the quantification of Puerarin in isolated fraction.     

Development of electrically conductive hybrid nanofibers based on CNT‐polyurethane nanocomposite for cardiac tissue engineering

Conductive nanofibers have been considered as one of the most interesting and promising candidate scaffolds for cardiac patch applications with capability to improve cell–cell communication. Here, we successfully fabricated electroconductive nanofibrous patches by simultaneous electrospray of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on polyurethane nanofibers. A series of CNT/PU nanocomposites with different weight ratios (2:10, 3:10, and 6:10wt%) were obtained. Scanning electron microscopy, conductivity analysis, water contact angle measurements, and tensile tests were used to characterize the scaffolds. FESEM showed that CNTs were adhered on PU nanofibers and created an interconnected web‐like structures. The SEM images also revealed that the diameters of nanofibers were decreased by increasing CNTs. The electrical conductivity, tensile strength, Young's modulus, and hydrophilicity of CNT/PU nanocomposites also enhanced after adding CNTs. The scaffolds revealed suitable cytocompatibility for H9c2 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). This study indicated that simultaneous electrospinning and electrospray can be used to fabricate conductive CNT/PUnanofibers, resulting in better cytocompatibility and improved interactions between the scaffold and cardiomyoblasts.     

Microscopy and formation of polymer/metal composites

A new class of materials, formed by dispersion of low-melting-point metal alloys in a polymer matrix, has been studied from the point of view of microstructure, interfacial interaction and mechanical properties. The phases in these composites were formed in the same way as for polymer blends and were thus dependent on viscosity ratio, concentration, surface tension and interfacial interactions. Metal alloys of tin and bismuth (Sn/Bi) were mixed with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polystyrene (PS) at elevated temperatures. Some preliminary investigations of lead and tin (Pb/Sn) alloys blended with HDPE, PS, polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene-terephtalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) and Polyvinylchloride (PVC) were also undertaken. The composites were characterized by light and electron microscopy, image analysis, electrical conductivity measurements and impact testing. It is shown that the low-melting-point metal alloys can be dispersed in polymers to a submicrometre level by blending. The particle size distribution follows an exponential function, which means that very fine as well as large particles are present. The equilibrium between dispersion and coalescence is very rapidly established during mixing. The average particle size can be controlled by the properties of the matrix, concentration of the metal and processing conditions. An investigation of interfaces revealed that in some cases a chemical interaction between the metal and the polymer can occur. This is apparent by observation of degradation, fluorescence and changes in mechanical properties.     

聚氨酯/碳纳米管复合材料的摩擦性能

采用溶液共混法制备聚氨酯/碳纳米管复合材料,探讨碳纳米管含量和超声分散时间对聚氨酯/碳纳米管复合材料摩擦性能的影响。结果表明:随着碳纳米管含量的增加,聚氨酯/碳纳米管复合材料的摩擦因数逐渐降低,随着载荷的增大,摩擦因数有所减小;超声分散时间对聚氨酯/碳纳米管复合材料摩擦性能影响不大;碳纳米管具有较好的润滑性质,可以降低聚氨酯/碳纳米管复合材料的摩擦因数,改善聚氨酯的摩擦性能。     

Friction Reduction and Antiwear Capacity of Engine Oil Blends Containing Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate and Molybdenum-Complex Additives

The efficacy of oil blends containing zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZnDTP) and molybdenum (Mo)-complex additives to improve the tribological properties of boundary-lubricated steel surfaces was investigated experimentally. The performance of oil blends containing three different types of Mo-complex additives of varying Mo and S contents with or without primary/secondary ZnDTP additions were investigated at 100°C. The formation of antiwear tribofilms was detected in situ by observing the friction force and contact voltage responses. Wear volume and surface topography measurements obtained from surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy studies were used to quantify the antiwear capacity of the formed tribofilms. The tribological properties are interpreted in terms of the tribofilm chemical composition studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that blending the base oil only with the Mo-compound additives did not improve the friction characteristics. However, an optimum mixture of Mo complexes and ZnDTP additive provided sufficient amounts of S and Mo for the formation of antiwear tribofilms containing low-shear strength MoS ₂ that reduces sliding friction. In addition, the formation of a glassy phosphate phase due to the synergistic effect of the ZnDTP additive enhances the wear resistance of the tribofilm. This study shows that ZnDTP- and Mo-containing additives incorporated in oil blends at optimum proportions improve significantly the tribological properties of boundary-lubricated steel surfaces sliding at elevated temperatures.     

干摩擦条件下树脂刹车片磨损机制研究

为了优化拖缆机刹车部件的设计参数,同时进一步提高刹车片的耐磨性能,采用MPV-600型磨粒磨损试验机研究无石棉树脂摩擦片和黄铜试样与45#钢配副在干摩擦条件下的摩擦学性能,利用体式显微镜观察试样的磨损形貌并分析其磨损机制。结果表明:摩擦热引起的温升导致的硬度下降及磨损机制的改变是干摩擦条件下摩擦片磨损的主要原因;树脂刹车片的耐热性能、耐磨性能均好于黄铜试样,树脂刹车片与钢配副的摩擦因数主要是由树脂刹车片中的铜纤维材料决定的;干摩擦条件下树脂摩擦片的磨损机制是以磨粒磨损和氧化磨损为主,而黄铜试样以磨粒磨损和黏着磨损为主。     

油膜轴承用双唇密封材料的研究

研究了不同交联助剂的过氧化物硫化体系对氢化丁腈橡胶(HNBR)胶料性能的影响,以及填充补强剂对制品使用寿命的影响。结果表明,尽管过氧化物硫化体系的HNBR胶料耐热空气与油老化性能均较好,但只有同时加入有机金属盐与1,2聚丁二烯2种交联助剂才能获得最理想的性能;补强剂以半补强炭黑N774可以使胶料获得最佳的综合性能;填充一定量的固体润滑剂可以进一步提高产品的使用寿命。