Selection of polymer materials for micro slide bearings with respect to minimization of resistance to motion

Abstract

Values of static and kinetic friction coefficient in micro slide bearings, consisting of journals and bushings (with the diameter of 3.5 mm) made of pairs of 5 polymer materials (16 chosen combinations of PA11, ABS, PC, PS and PETP), were determined. A method of measuring static and kinetic friction coefficient, at various values of: load, rotational speed, and standstill time, as well as the structure of a dedicated test rig, were discussed. Chosen mechanical properties of polymers measured using indentation method, and conclusions from the conducted experiments, are shown. The presented results provide key information for a proper choice of polymer materials, which are to work as a friction node. The biggest observed difference in the moment of friction among the tested slide bearings reached almost 40% (with respect to the highest value).