.SUMMARY
Kinematical joints realizing a dry friction in contemporary machines are made of polymers and polymer composites. The knowledge about their tribological properties is important for engineer designers of precision remote control mechanisms, power transfer systems (clutches) and energy absorption systems (brakes). Data in this area can be collected only experimentally because today friction theory does not permit for proper theoretical predictions. Information about static and kinetic friction coefficients in polymer – metal couples were obtained experimentally for three kinds of polymer composites with phenolic – formaldehyde resins, polyamide or PTFE matrix. Experimental characteristics were compared with literature data for friction conditions for metal – metal couple. The obtained results indicate on essential differences in friction characteristics for metal and polymers especially as concerns: an effect of temperature, friction duration and break under load. These distinctions come out from differences in metal and polymer behaviour concerning susceptibility to creeping and structural transformations under the load state. These phenomenons are more intensive in the case of polymer than metal.
Keywords
Polymers, polymer composites, dry friction, static and kinetic friction coefficient, load, temperature..
1 Politechnika Radomska
2 Wojskowy Instytut Techniki Pancernej i Samochodowej, Sulejówek
