Effect of apparent area, load, and filler content on sliding friction characteristics of polymer nanocomposites

Polymers and polymer composites replace metals in low duty applications such as gears, bearings, rollers, and so on. Use of these low-modulus and low-strength materials makes the product design more complex. The contact characteristics are severely affected due to low modulus and high stresses and influence the product performance. Effect of apparent area of contact, normal load, and clay addition on the contact characteristics of polyamide 6 and polyamide 6 nanocomposite is reported. The real area of contact, which varies severely with normal load in low modulus materials, affects the coefficient of friction. Addition of nanoclay improves the modulus and reduces the coefficient of friction.