Finite element modeling and experimental validation of single-asperity sliding friction of diamond against reinforced and non-filled polycarbonate

Polymer composites used as protective coatings are important, tribology-critical applications. In this study, hard or soft particle-filled model systems with a polycarbonate matrix are tested in single asperity sliding friction tests against diamond tips. A numerical approach developed to simulate scratching on unfilled polycarbonate was adapted by computing the effective material parameters for the hard and soft particle filled systems using representative volume elements. Combining this proper constitutive framework with a rate-independent friction model correlated quantitatively with the results of the current scratching experiments.