The role of transfer film and back transfer behavior on the tribological performance of polyoxymethylene in sliding

Abstract

The role of transfer films formed during the sliding of polymer composites against steel counterfaces was studied in terms of the tribological behaviors of the composites. The composites were prepared by compression molding and sliding tests were run in pin-on-disk sliding configuration. The counterface was made of tool steel hardened to 55-60 HRC and finished to a surface roughness of 0.09-0.10 mu m Ra. Wear tests were run for 6 hrs at the sliding speed of 1.0 m/s and contact pressure of 0.65 MPa. Transfer films formed on the counterfaces during sliding were investigated using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results showed that as the transfer film became smooth and uniform, the wear rate decreased. The examination of worn surfaces using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS: dot mapping mode) showed the back-transfer of the steel counterface material to the polymer pin surface. This behavior is believed to strengthen the polymer pin surface during sliding thereby contributing to the decrease in wear rate.