The effect of temperature-dependent interfacial interaction on the stick–slip behavior of polyamide-66/zinc-coated steel

• The temperature-dependent stick–slip behavior and its association with interfacial interaction were revealed. • Reduced stick–slip intensity resulted from the interfacial interaction shifting from adhesion to plastic deformation. • The digital image correlation method was employed to analyze the deformation displacement of friction pairs quantitatively. The stick–slip behavior of polymer/metal is a complex frictional issue since the properties of polymers are highly temperature-sensitive. The present study aimed to shed light on the key factors influencing the stick–slip behavior of polyamide-66/zinc-coated steel by conducting experiments at varying temperatures. The results revealed that the stick–slip behavior and interfacial interaction are temperature-dependent. The friction behavior transitioned from stick-slip to smooth sliding at 40 °C. The transition in the interfacial interaction from adhesion to plastic deformation with increased temperature was responsible for the reduction in stick–slip intensity. The reductions in both the potential energy and static friction force were believed to cause the decreased stick–slip intensity, as evidenced by the in-situ observation of the friction pairs through the digital image correlation (DIC) method. The present study could provide a comprehensive and targeted approach to suppressing the stick–slip behavior of polymer/metal over a wide range of temperatures.