Effect of Counterface Material Type and Its Topography on the Tribological Properties of Polyimide Composites

摘要

Graphite fiber reinforced polyimide composite pins were slid against seven different counterfaces to determine the effect of material type on the tribological properties of polymer composites. In addition, the effect of sliding a new pin on a pre-established transfer film was investigated. The results indicated that almost a five order of magnitude difference in composite wear rate can occur just by varying the counterface material. An attempt to make all surfaces as smooth as possible was made, but due to differences in material composition this was not possible and a range of surface roughnesses were obtained. The results indicate that the smoother the surface, the lower the composite wear rate; but that small protrusions (not discernible with arithmetic surface roughness measurements) can markedly increase wear rates. A pre-established transfer film improved both run in and steady state wear rates.