Visualization of the processes taking place in the contact zone with in-situ tribometry

This study illustrates the design of a tribometer with pin-on-plate configuration intended for in-situ investigation of tribomaterials sliding against transparent plates using light microscopy [1,2]. Tests were conducted by sliding different materials against polystyrene and glass plates. Formation of wear debris was documented for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), whereas a load bearing particle structure was seen with PTFE/bronze material. Deduced tribological material models summarize the findings. In contrast to TPU material, adhesive wear plays insignificant role for PTFE/bronze system. Fundamental wear processes like micro-cracking, micro-ploughing and micro-cutting were studied by sliding SiC abrasive paper against glass and polystyrene plates.