The surface texture and its influence on the tribological characteristics of a friction pair: metal-polymer

The selection of a manufacturing process (finishing) related to material properties seems to be of vital importance. On the condition that manufacturing and machining parameters are chosen correctly, they may optimize the functional properties of components, ensuring reduction of wear and longer life of a friction pair. The subjects of research were metal surfaces used in conjunction with polymer surfaces. These both materials are used in medicine. From the precision machining process, three different kinds of plate surface textures (defined by Ra parameter: Ra(A) < Ra(B) < Ra(C)) were obtained. The tribological research was performed with a tribotester in the Ringer's solution, which helped determine the following tribological characteristics of a friction pair: friction coefficient and the wear intensity of a polymeric pin. Two devices were employed to analyze surface texture: a scanning electron microscopy and a white light interference microscopy. It was noticed that there was a certain correlation between the machined surface established in the manufacturing process, tribological characteristics, and the worn surface created during a friction cycle. The lowest friction coefficient as well as the smallest value of wear intensity were obtained for friction pair: pin-on-plate A. The results should be verified during the following stage - tribological tests on a simulator.