Improvements in tribological properties of polyoxymethylene by aramid short fiber and polytetrafluoroethylene

In order to improve tribological properties of polyoxymethylene (POM), the effects of aramid short fibers (ASF) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) solid lubricants, as two classes of additives, were studied. The appropriate composites of the polymer and the additives were prepared by melt mixing process. Distribution of additives in the polymer matrix was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties in tension such as modulus of elasticity, yield stress, and stress-at-break as well as the fracture energy in impact test were studied to explore friction and wear mechanisms of the composites against a smooth steel surface. Tribological measurements showed that both additives reduce friction and wear of the POM. However, both additives reduced fracture energy of POM in impact test, which dismisses the role of abrasive mechanism of wear under applied conditions. On the other hand, tensile results showed that addition of ASF mechanically reinforces POM, while PTFE degrades mechanical properties of this polymer, especially yield stress. Considering the role of yield stress in the adhesive mechanism of friction and wear, this property was used to define tribological behavior of samples. Since ASF induces mechanical stiffening to POM, increase in yield stress improves tribological properties. However, PTFE introduces transfer films at the interface, thus reduction of yield stress is in favor of tribological properties of this composite. Finally, it is shown that frictional heating and contact temperature rise has a significant degrading effect on wear resistance.