A computed model for tribological properties of porous self-lubricating PPS composites: Numerical analysis and experimental verification

• A novel 2D model reflecting porous structure of PPS composite is proposed.
• Tribological properties of PPS composite are discussed by simulation and experiment.
• Self-lubricating mechanism and porosity’s effects of composite are revealed.
• Simulated results are consistent with experimental results with errors less than 11%.

A novel 2D model that was based on the cross-section microstructure of porous PPS composites was established to predict its tribological properties. The variable λ, based on pore size and spacing, was used in the micro-scale model. Heat-stress coupled field analysis was applied to study the self-lubricating behavior and the effects of porosity on the tribological properties of porous PPS composites. The approach included the distributions of temperature, displacement and Von Mises stress. Experimental results indicated that the porous PPS composites exhibited a 13,000-fold increase in wear resistance and a 90% decrease in friction coefficient compared with pure PPS under dry sliding condition. The micro-scale pores of composite were filled with grease, contributing to the decrease of friction coefficient and wear rate. Simulation results revealed that the optimum porosity significantly improved the self-lubricating performance of porous PPS composites. The accuracy of numerical analysis was verified by comparing it with experimental results. The errors were less than 11%.