Experimental investigation on tribological behavior of several polymer materials under reciprocating sliding and fretting wear conditions

This work comparatively studied the friction and wear behaviors of the six polymers (UHMWPE, PTFE, Phenolic, PHBA, PEEK and PI) under reciprocating sliding and fretting wear conditions. Hopefully, the results could contribute to provide some guidance for use and selection of materials. By investigating their friction and wear values, the morphologies of the worn surfaces and microstructures, the corresponding wear mechanisms under the two wear modes were analyzed in detail. It was also discussed the relationship between the microstructure and tribology performances of materials. The results showed that the sliding wear resistance of material was different with its fretting wear resistance. Fretting wear resistance increased orderly: PTFE < UHMWPE < PHBA < PI < PEEK < Phenolic.