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Synergy Effects in Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polymers and Polymer Composites

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Processing and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (18 February 2022) | Viewed by 24557

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Sergey V. Panin

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Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science of Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 634055 Tomsk, Russia
Interests: polymer composites; wear resistance; multiscale design; physical mesomechanics; mechanical properties
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The philosophy of polymer material development for structural and functional applications is determined by the cyclical nature of scientific and technological advances in the field of chemistry, mechanics, and the materials science of polymers, etc. The emergence of fundamentally new polymer matrices opens up new application areas for such materials, while the loading of various types of fillers and modifiers (as well as the development of new methods for combining/compounding/processing of composites) makes it possible to multiply the physical-mechanical properties or impart upon them new functional properties.

However, the gain from the loading of reinforcing particles/fibers or the functionalization of fillers (including deposition of nanoobjects) is usually determined by the additivity principle. Meanwhile, of greater scientific and practical interest is the possibility of a multiple increase in properties when the loaded modifiers/fillers exert a so-called synergistic effect. Such phenomena are not often observed and cannot always be predicted or modeled. However, the possibility of achieving such a synergy opens up broad prospects for the use of such polymer materials and their composites.

As part of the announced Special Issue “Synergy Effects in Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polymers and Polymer Composites”, authors of original scientific papers are invited to i) discuss the possibility of achieving such synergistic effects, ii) explain the principles of their occurrence and long-term maintenance, iii) illustrate the possibility of their practical application, and iv) model similar processes within the framework of classical or interdisciplinary approaches.

Prof. Dr. Sergey V. Panin
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

polymer composite
synergy effect
multiscale design
wear resistance
interphase/interface
enforcement
stress redistribution
functionalization
multicomponent mixture
mechanical properties

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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28 pages, 8658 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Transfer Film on Tribological Properties of Anti-Friction PEI- and PI-Based Composites at Elevated Temperatures

by Sergey V. Panin, Jiangkun Luo, Dmitry G. Buslovich, Vladislav O. Alexenko, Filippo Berto and Lyudmila A. Kornienko

Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061215 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3251

Abstract

The structure, mechanical and tribological properties of the PEI- and PI-based composites reinforced with Chopped Carbon Fibers (CCF) and loaded with commercially available micron-sized solid lubricant fillers of various nature (polymeric-PTFE, and crystalline-Gr and MoS₂) were studied in the temperature range of 23–180 (240) °C. It was shown that tribological properties of these ternary composites were determined by the regularities of the transfer film (TF) adherence on their wear track surfaces. The patterns of TFs formation depended on the chemical structure of the polymer matrix (stiffness/flexibility) as well as the tribological test temperatures. Loading with PTFE solid lubricant particles, along with the strengthening effect of CCF, facilitated the formation and fixation of the TF on the sliding surfaces of the more compliant PEI-based composite at room temperature. In this case, a very low coefficient of friction (CoF) value of about 0.05 was observed. For the more rigid identically filled PI-based composite, the CoF value was twice as high under the same conditions. At elevated temperatures, rising both CoF levels and oscillation of their values made it difficult to retain the non-polar PTFE transfer film on the sliding surfaces of the PI-based composite. As a result, friction of the ceramic counterpart proceeded over the composite surface without any protecting TF at T ≥ 180 °C. For the sample with the more flexible PEI matrix, the PTFE-containing TF was retained on its sliding surface, providing a low WR level even under CoF rising and oscillating conditions. A similar analysis was carried out for the less efficient crystalline solid lubricant filler MoS₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergy Effects in Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polymers and Polymer Composites)

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10 pages, 1451 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Tribological Properties of Polyamide 46/Graphene Nanocomposites

by Pyoung-Chan Lee, Su Young Kim, Youn Ki Ko, Jin Uk Ha, Sun Kyoung Jeoung, Donghyeok Shin, Jung Hoon Kim and Myeong-Gi Kim

Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061139 - 12 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2574

Abstract

Polyamide 46 (PA46) is used in various automotive parts because of its excellent heat resistance and mechanical properties. This study aims to improve the frictional properties of PA46 using the lubricating ability of graphene. Nanocomposites are prepared via two mixing methods: Graphene powder is compounded directly with PA46 pellets through a twin-screw extruder, or PA46 powder is added to graphene dispersion for self-adsorption, and subsequently, it is dried and compounded with PA46 through the twin-screw extruder. Application of the nanocomposite in the friction field is evaluated via the pin-on-disk method. The coefficient of friction of the nanocomposite prepared by self-adsorption is lower than that of the nanocomposite prepared by direct compounding. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite fabricated by self-adsorption are superior to those of other materials. This can be attributed to the uniform dispersion of graphene and the strong attractive force between the PA46 matrix and graphene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergy Effects in Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polymers and Polymer Composites)

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12 pages, 6967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Geometric Error on Friction Behavior of Cylinder Seals

by Ange Lin, Jian Wu, Haohao Li, Zhe Li, Benlong Su and Youshan Wang

Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3438; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13193438 - 7 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2121

Abstract

The tribological characteristics of the cylinder directly affect the operation accuracy of the pneumatic servo system. However, the geometric error has a significant effect on its tribological behavior and the related research is insufficient. Thus, the dynamic friction process of rubber seals has been investigated considering the influence of geometric errors. Firstly, based on the self-made friction test platform, the friction force of the rubber seals was studied and the influence law of geometric error on the contact area of the rubber seal ring was revealed. Secondly, the numerical model of the friction and contact of the rubber seals for the cylinder segment was developed by using the finite element simulation method and the influence laws of machining errors, such as roundness and straightness on the friction characteristics, were revealed. Finally, synergy effects of roundness and straightness in the friction behavior of rubber seals considering geometric errors was investigated, which lays a foundation for the accurate prediction of cylinder dynamic mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergy Effects in Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polymers and Polymer Composites)

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16 pages, 9555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Powder on Tribological and Electrochemical Properties of Nylon 66 and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene in Water and Seawater Environments

by Wanxing Xu, Tian Yang, Shengpeng Zhan, Dan Jia, Lixin Ma, Saisai Ma and Haitao Duan

Polymers 2021, 13(17), 2874; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13172874 - 27 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2570

Abstract

Polymer materials are used increasingly in marine machinery and equipment; their tribological properties and effect on the water environment have garnered significant attention. We investigate the effect of water or seawater environment containing powder on tribology and electrochemistry of polymer materials. A friction test involving nylon 66 (PA66) and an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) pin–disc (aluminum alloy) is performed in seawater or water with/without polymer powder, and the solution is analyzed electrochemically. The results show that the tribological properties of the UHMWPE improved by adding the powder to the solution, whereas the PA66 powder demonstrates abrasive wear in a pure water environment, which elucidates that the synergistic effect of powder and seawater on UHMWPE reduces the wear, and the synergistic effect of pure water and powder aggravates the wear. The results of electrochemical experiments show that after adding powder in the friction and wear tests, the powder can protect the pin by forming a physical barrier on the surface and reducing corrosion, and the changes are more obvious in seawater with powder in it. Through electrochemical and tribological experiments, the synergistic effect of solution environment and powder was proved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergy Effects in Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polymers and Polymer Composites)

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31 pages, 12524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental—FEM Study on Effect of Tribological Load Conditions on Wear Resistance of Three-Component High-Strength Solid-Lubricant PI-Based Composites

by Sergey V. Panin, Jiangkun Luo, Dmitry G. Buslovich, Vladislav O. Alexenko, Lyudmila A. Kornienko, Svetlana A. Bochkareva and Anton V. Byakov

Polymers 2021, 13(16), 2837; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162837 - 23 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3411

Abstract

The structure, mechanical and tribological properties of the polyimide-based composites reinforced with chopped carbon fibers (CCF) and loaded with solid-lubricant commercially available fillers of various natures were investigated. The metal- and ceramic counterparts were employed for tribological testing. Micron sized powders of PTFE, colloidal graphite and molybdenum disulfide were used for solid lubrication. It was shown that elastic modulus was enhanced by up to 2.5 times, while ultimate tensile strength was increased by up 1.5 times. The scheme and tribological loading conditions exerted the great effect on wear resistance of the composites. In the tribological tests by the ‘pin-on-disk’ scheme, wear rate decreased down to ~290 times for the metal-polymer tribological contact and to ~285 times for the ceramic-polymer one (compared to those for neat PI). In the tribological tests against the rougher counterpart (R_a~0.2 μm, the ‘block-on-ring’ scheme) three-component composites with both graphite and MoS₂ exhibited high wear resistance. Under the “block-on-ring” scheme, the possibility of the transfer film formation was minimized, since the large-area counterpart slid against the ‘non-renewable’ surface of the polymer composite (at a ‘shortage’ of solid lubricant particles). On the other hand, graphite and MoS₂ particles served as reinforcing inclusions. Finally, numerical simulation of the tribological test according to the ‘block-on-ring’ scheme was carried out. Within the framework of the implemented model, the counterpart roughness level exerted the significantly greater effect on wear rate in contrast to the porosity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergy Effects in Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polymers and Polymer Composites)

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12 pages, 3148 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Properties and Tribological Behavior of MoS₂-Enhanced Cellulose-Based Biocomposites for Food Packaging

by Shih-Chen Shi, Pramod Kumar Mandal and Tao-Hsing Chen

Polymers 2021, 13(11), 1838; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13111838 - 1 Jun 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3361

Abstract

Synthetic polymers are the most commonly used polymers in daily life. Therefore, it is necessary to develop environmentally friendly polymers. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a potential candidate for a biopolymer, owing to its unique properties. However, HPMC biopolymers have some disadvantages compared to synthetic polymers. In this study, the mechanical properties and tribological performance of MoS₂ additive-enhanced cellulose matrix biocomposites were investigated in order to improve the properties of HPMC. MoS₂ was incorporated into the HPMC matrix as a strengthening additive. The mechanical properties, bonding, and water vapor permeability of the composites were analyzed. The mechanical and vapor barrier properties of the HPMC films were significantly enhanced. The ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the composite films increased with the addition of up to 1 wt% MoS₂. The water vapor permeability of HPMC films reduced when additives were incorporated. The wear test proves that the MoS₂ additives can improve the tribological performance of the HPMC composite while reducing the friction coefficient. The main reason for enhanced tribological performance is the improvement in load capacity of the composite coating by the MoS₂ additive. This MoS₂/HPMC biocomposite can be used in food packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergy Effects in Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polymers and Polymer Composites)

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Review

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43 pages, 7922 KiB

Open AccessReview

High Performance Polymer Composites: A Role of Transfer Films in Ensuring Tribological Properties—A Review

by Sergey V. Panin, Vladislav O. Alexenko and Dmitry G. Buslovich

Polymers 2022, 14(5), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14050975 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5694

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to summarize data on the structure, mechanical and tribological properties, and wear patterns of composites based on high-performance polymers (HPPs) intended for use in friction units. The review includes three key sections, divided according to the tribological contact schemes regardless of the polymer matrix. In the second part, the analysis of composites is carried out in point contacts. The third section is devoted to the results of studies of HPP-based composites in linear ones. The fourth section summarizes information on flat contacts. Particular attention is paid to the formation of transfer films (TFs) in the contacts and their influence on the tribological patterns of the studied rubbing materials. As a conclusion, it is noted that the challenge of experimental methods for analyzing TFs, stated by K. Friedrich, is effectively solved in recent studies by the XPS method, which enables us to accurately determine their composition. Although this determination is completed after the tribological tests, it allows not only a more accurate interpretation of their results considering specific conditions and loading schemes, but also the ability to design HPP-based composites that form required TFs performing their preset functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synergy Effects in Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polymers and Polymer Composites)

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