Friction and wear of epoxy resin on inox steel: remarks on the influence of velocity, load and induced thermal state

The influence of sliding velocity and nominal pressure on the tribological behaviour of epoxy resin-inox steel couples is analysed in dry sliding conditions, on a pin-disc configuration. The patterns observed for the friction coefficient, wear coefficient and estimated surface temperature have been correlated to the surface morphology of both pin and disc as results from SEM analysis and profilometric traces, and a preliminary explanation of the contact process is proposed. Fatigue wear (the prevalent mechanism) and adhesive wear appear strongly influenced by the combined action of sliding velocity (affecting interface dynamics and deformation mode) and nominal pressure (which controls interfacial stress). Differences in the action of the two variables apparently result from the particular thermal state induced in the polymer, as well as from the quantity and the morphology of wear debris.