Polymer wear control

We are pleased to present, in this volume, 26 reviewed and revised chapters from the symposium in six parts mechanisms of polymer wear controls of polymer wear tribological behaviors of polymers wear of biomaterials and polymer composites characterization and measurements of polymer wear and degradation and wear of polymeric films and filaments. 

Indeed, not all of these approaches have been investigated for polymer wear control. A brief discussion of each of these concepts may lead to new opportunities in technological breakthroughs. 

Thus, in the spring of 1984, an international symposium with the theme Polymer Wear and Its Control was held, and is the basis of this book. The purpose of the symposium was to seek better understanding about wear mechanisms of polymers and to develop new wear-resistant materials. Distinguished scientists and engineers were invited from West Germany, England, Japan, and the U.S.S.R. to present plenary lectures. Thirty-one papers were presented. The conference was very much appreciated by those who attended. 

In comparison with metals, most conventional polymers are low in wear resistance. For wear control, we need to understand various wear mechanisms for each polymer system (V). As discussed in a previous paper, for adhesive wear, surface energetics can determine the extent of surface wear. Thus, a low surface energy is preferred to minimize the surface attrition. In addition, a harder polymer is desired to lower the wear rate. For abrasive wear, fracture energetics become important a harder and tougher material should be more wear resistant. 

---