Naslov
Tribology of polymers and polymer-based composites

Autori
Brostow, Witold ; Kovačević, Vera ; Vrsaljko, Domagoj ; Whitworth, Jenna

Izvornik
Journal of Materials Education (0738-7989) 32 (2010), 5-6; 273-290

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
tribology of polymeric materials ; friction and wear ; multiple scratching ; brittleness ; viscoelasticity ; micro-tribology ; nano-tribology

Sažetak
While attention of academia and industry on materials properties is largely focused on mechanics, wear causes losses in industry at least not smaller than fracture caused by mechanical deformation. We discuss the importance of tribology for polymer-based materials (PBMs). Traditional tribology developed originally for metals cannot be applied to PBMs for at least two reasons. First, PBMs are viscoelastic and their properties depend on time – in contrast to metals and ceramics. Second, external liquid lubricants, which work well for other classes of materials, are easily absorbed by PBMs ; swelling is the result. We and others are developing tribology of PBMs taking into account among others: viscoelasticity, materials brittleness defined in 2006 and connections of brittleness to recovery in sliding wear determination, relation of friction and scratch resistance to surface tension, and effects of magnetic fields on polymer tribology. Traditional experimental methods of wear determination based on the amount of debris formed are not well usable for PBMs since often there is no debris - while there is significant material displacement (top ridge formation, densification). More appropriate testing procedures are discussed. Results of molecular dynamics computer simulations of scratching of polymers are discussed also. Further, we discuss methods of enhancing resistance of PBMs to scratching and wear. These methods include modifying surface tension, formation of microhybrids, formation of nanohybrids, irradiation, as well as already mentioned application of magnetic fields. On the basis of the totality of experimental and simulation results as well as concepts and models developed, some recommendations for dealing with tribology of PBMs – in instructional as well as industrial and research setting - are made.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kemijsko inženjerstvo

POVEZANOST RADA