Influence of Filling Medium Density Polyethylene by Almond Oil and Talc on Friction and Wear

The present study aims to investigate wear and friction properties of composite of medium density polyethylene MDPE, 15 wt. % almond oil, and talc powder. Also, to investigate wear and friction properties of composite of MDPE filled by talc powder. First, MDPE was filled with talc powder at contents of 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt. % and then results were recorded. After that MDPE was blended with 15 wt. % almond oil and different weight contents of Talc powder: 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt. %. All composites were tested using pin-on-disc. Five loads were applied during test: 12 N, 14 N, 16 N, 18 N, and 20 N. It was observed that filling MDPE with talc showed improvement of wear resistance. It showed also less friction at loads of 14 N, 16 N, 18 N, and 20 N. Talc increased MDPE hardness slightly. Addition of 15 wt. % almond oil to talc improved wear resistance of MDPE. However, an increasing in friction was observed. This composite showed hardness lower than unfilled MDPE and higher than MDPE filled with almond oil. Almond oil of 15 wt. % content achieved the best result of wear resistance. This composite achieved the lowest wear. Scanning electron microscope SEM micrographs showed formation of transfer films on specimens’ surfaces. These transfer films interpreted the results of wear and friction obtained.