Effects of laser irradiation on adhesive tribo-performance of EVA/HDPE/MA-G-PE/OMMT blended polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

Ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and their blends are being used in many engineering applications. In this work, an attempt was made to extend the conventional uses of EVA/HDPE blended polymer nanocomposites by laser treating their surface to automobile, aircraft, and similar industries, where tribological properties played an important role. Effects of laser irradiation on adhesive tribo-performances of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MA-g-PE: 2phr) modified ethylene-co-vinyl acetate/high density polyethylene (EVA/HDPE: 70/30 wt. %) organ modified montmorillonite (OMMT: 4phr) blended polymer nanocomposite have been investigated. EVA/HDPE/MA-g-PE/OMMT polymer nanocomposite was irradiated by Ytterbium laser system (YSL-2000) at various scan speeds and power densities. As per ASTM G99 standard, tribo-performance attributes coefficient of friction and specific wear rate were evaluated using pin-on-disc machine against rotating EN31 steel disc of 60 HRC at different loads and speeds. Wear mechanisms of worn surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. It was observed that coefficient of friction and specific wear rate were significantly affected by power density and load, while sliding distance and scan speed have marginal effects.