Tribological Properties of Low Density Polyethylene and Polyamide 12 as Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites

Polymeric nanocomposites (PNCs) have solved many problems due to their extensive applications such as aerospace, automobiles, coatings, and packaging materials. In the present study, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyamide 12 (PA12), as a matrix materials reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), impregnated by paraffin oil (PO) were fabricated by a hot compression technique. Tribological properties of unfilled LDPE, PA12, and their nanocomposites have been investigated by pin-on-disc tester at a constant sliding distance of 212 m and 1.2 m/s sliding speed under 20 N applied normal load. Tribological properties proved that LDPE/GNPs and PA12/GNPs nanocomposites have lower coefficient of friction (COF), and wear rates compared with pure LDPE and PA12. By adding PO contents to the LDPE and its nanocomposites, COF and wear rates were gradually increased. Also, after PO addition to unfilled PA12/GNPs and PA12/GNPs nanocomposites, COF and wear rates gradually decreased. Worn surfaces were imaged using scanning electron microscope (SEM).