The tribological behaviour of different engineering plastics under dry friction conditions

In this experimental study, the tribological behaviors of different polymer journal bearings are examined during the working period with steel shaft at dry friction conditions. Journal bearings are produced by different engineering plastics which are Ertacetal (POM-Delrin), Ertalyte (PETP), Ertalon 6 PLA (Cast Polyamide) and Devateks. Bearing and shaft are studied at dry friction conditions in HFN.5 journal bearing experiment apparatus. The friction force is obtained on contact surface. The friction and wear behaviors of bearings are affected by speed, load, temperature and working time. The friction coefficients between contact surfaces are determined for all materials. The wear and friction behaviors of Devateks and Ertalyte are superior to Ertacetal and Ertalon 6PLA according to test results. Ertalyte have the most wear resistantce. The lowest friction values are obtained for Devateks. It was shown that speed is the most effective parameter for friction and wear. Bearing load has less effect on friction and wear.