Considerations Regarding the Deformation of Polymeric Materials in Sliding Contact with Metallic Materials

The effects of friction on polymeric materials are difficult to explain due to complex interactions, both at the microscopic and macroscopic levels, between the surfaces of the friction pair sliding over each other. The friction and wear behaviour of the surfaces in relative sliding motion can be deemed an essential criterion in the design process. The estimation and evaluation of the parameters specific to abrasive wear are of particular interest in order to optimize the design of sliding pairs. In order to establish the area of application of different material combinations, it is necessary to know their friction behaviour under experimental conditions as close as possible to those found in the industrial environment. The paper analyses several specific aspects that occur at the interface between a metallic material and a polymeric material under conditions of abrasive wear.