Evaluation of tribological properties of components of polymer composite selflubricating materials

The paper presents data on the anti-wear properties of the basic components of polymer self-lubricating composite materials for heavy loaded friction units. In friction these components are released from the composite structure as a result of destructive processes or physical desorption with increasing temperature and involved in the metal plating of friction parts. Besides, it shows the wear form of a sample friction pair in comparison with I-40 base oil, often applied as a composite plasticizer, on the example of synergistic interference of unhardened epoxy-diane resin with highly dispersed mineral fillers of the serpentine group. The conducted study reveals the ability of minerals to reduce the wear rate of a sample friction pair as a result of the transferred film formation. The kinetic features of model samples wear under special conditions for testing ceramic materials are determined as well. In addition, the paper identifies the practicability to exploit layered silicates in the structure of polymer matrices as lubricating agents of heavy loaded friction units.