A Graphical Representation of Tribological Properties in Polymer-Graphite/Epoxy Sliding

Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polycarbonate were slid dry against continuous graphite fiber/epoxy plates in reciprocating multiple-pass tests for different values of fiber orientation, virgin surface roughness, and normal load. Regression equations were developed from the data relating the coefficient of friction and wear rate to fiber orientation and virgin surface roughness. The wear rate and coefficient of friction were plotted versus fiber orientation and virgin surface roughness to form three-dimensional friction and wear “surfaces.” Semiempirical friction and wear “surfaces” were found to be a convenient and compact method of presenting the complex data. Local maximum and minimum points could be easily identified and differences in the tribological properties of different materials became readily apparent.