Wear characteristics of polyamide nanocomposite spur gears

Polymer nanocomposites have received considerable research attention in the past decade due to its remarkable improvement in tensile, fatigue, and tribological characteristics. This article reports the wear characteristics of pristine polyamide 6 and polyamide 6 nanocomposite (PA6NC) spur gears. The nanocomposite was made by melt intercalation method and injection moulded into gears. Molecular level interaction of nano-size reinforcement enhances the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposite. The performance of gears at different torque levels were studied using a power absorption type gear test rig. The gear tooth surface temperature affects the wear rate and service life. The enhanced mechanical properties of PA6NC results in reduced frictional and hysteresis heat generation associated with less wear and increased life. © Authors 2011.