Effect of load and sliding velocity on tribological behaviors of aramid fiber reinforced PA1010 composites

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and analyze the effect of applied load and sliding velocity on the tribological behaviors of aramid fiber (AF) reinforced PA1010 which can be a potential material for transmission components.

Design/methodology/approach

The PA1010 composites with different content of AF are prepared and the tribology experiments are conducted on a block‐on‐ring wear tester under different experiment conditions. The wear mechanism of the composite is examined by means of scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The addition of AF decreased the friction coefficient of PA1010 and increased its wear resistance. For optimal tribological properties 5∼15 wt% AF is preferred, while the wear resistance is best at 15 wt%. The friction coefficient decreased with increasing load and sliding velocity, but it is more sensitive to load. The main wear mechanism is abrasive wear at relatively low load and sliding velocity. With the increasing of load, the adhesive wear occurs in the matrix, meanwhile obvious fibrillation and layer peeling are observed on the fiber. When the sliding velocity increases, thermal adhesion and fiber debonding is the dominant mechanism.

Practical implications

PA1010 is a useful material for the alternative material of transmission components in industry.

Originality/value

PA1010 composite is prepared with a new kind of AF fiber and the tribology experiments have been carried out emphasizing on the variation of experiment conditions. The results could be useful for the material engineers.

Citation

Xu, L., Zhu, Z., Chen, G. and Qu, C. (2010), "Effect of load and sliding velocity on tribological behaviors of aramid fiber reinforced PA1010 composites", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 62 No. 1, pp. 46-51. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368791011012461