Composite systems, polymer tribology

Studies with a pin-on-disk apparatus have been performed to elucidate the tribological behavior of aramid-containing polymer composites. These studies include theoretical considerations and can serve as a directive on how to get information about tribological and wear properties in other related systems [63]. 

Often, new materials are developed from composites, or mixed polymer systems. Since friction has been shown to be a molecularly driven mechanism, a simple weighted average of the material s constituents will not yield accurate predictions of measured tribological properties. The afm as a frictional transducer has resolved the submicrometer domains of PS/PMMA blends (162). To accentuate the sensitivity of the afm probe to very small differences in surface energy and fx., the afm tip can be ftmctionalized. Hydroxylated tips are far better at discerning these surface changes when contrasting polar versus nonpolar blend components (163). 

Vizintin, J., M. Kalin, K. Dohda, and S. Jahanmir., eds. 2004. Tribology of Mechanical Systems A Guide to Present and Future Technologies. New York ASME Press. Addresses lubrication and appropriate Inbricants for all types of mechanical systems. Included are typical metal-based systems, such as engines, but also covered are materials, such as ceramics, polymers and composites. 

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