Mechanisms of static and kinetic friction of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and high-density polyethylene pairs during sliding

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 94; pp. 165 - 175
• Main Authors: Cho, Dae-Hyun, Bhushan, Bharat, Dyess, James
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2016
• Subjects: Dwell time; Friction; High density; Interfacial properties; Kinetic friction; Nanoindentation; Polyethylene terephthalates; Polyethylenes; Polymer; Polypropylenes; Wear; Polymer; Friction; Wear; Nanoindentation
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2015.08.027

Polymeric materials are widely used in household applications. During use, sliding surfaces are worn out and the interfacial properties change affecting friction. Consequently, understanding of friction mechanisms of polymeric materials with changing interfacial properties is important. In this study, the effect of various speed, load, and dwell time conditions on friction of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pairs is studied. Roughness, debris formation, and mechanical properties are measured to understand friction behavior. Static and kinetic friction exhibits dependence on surface roughness which affects mechanical interaction of asperities and real contact area. Static friction increases with dwell time due to creep.
•Friction of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, & high-density polyethylene.•Measurement of elastic modulus, hardness, surface roughness, and creep.•Speed-dependent static and kinetic friction due to change in surface roughness.•No load-dependent static and kinetic friction.•Increase in static friction with dwell time due to creep.