Effects of weft density on the friction and wear properties of self-lubricating fabric liners for journal bearings under heavy load conditions

• The weft density significantly affects the tribological properties of the fabric liner.
• The tribological properties of HZ1-1 are superior to the conventional liner.
• Between 300~ 350 threads/10cm, the tribological properties are optimal.

To improve the sliding friction and wear properties of the fabric self-lubricating liner for journal bearings, conventional and reinforced liners were prepared to investigate the influence of weft density on the friction and wear properties of the liner under heavy load conditions using the self-lubricating liner performance assessment tester. The tribological results showed that the weft density significantly affects the tribological properties of the fabric self-lubricating liner under heavy load conditions. Both the conventional and reinforced liners possess preferably friction and wear properties at the weft density range of 300–350 roots per 10 cm and the reinforced liner shows better friction and wear properties than the conventional liner.