A fully biobased tribology material based on acrylic resin and short wood fibres

A fully bio-based tribology material for bearing applications has been developed using a water soluble acrylic resin and short wood fibres. Formulated bio-composites were subjected to tribology examination against a polished 100 Cr6 steel ring using a block-on-ring test configuration. Specific wear rate and friction coefficient were determined. Specific wear rates ranged between 2.5 × 10−6 and 4.6 × 10−6 mm3/(Nm), and the coefficient of friction between 0.3 and 0.5 depending on fibre length. Oil impregnation of the samples led to a 50% decrease in the coefficient of friction. Impregnated systems can produce specific wear rates in the range of 10−7 mm3/(Nm), and a coefficient of friction between 0.1 and 0.2. The impregnated systems can replace some currently used synthetic materials.