How to Select the Best Plastic for Friction and Wear Challenges

Choosing plastics suitable for friction and wear applications is one of the most complex issues that plastic part designers face. Many plastic materials are described as having "excellent wear performance," but this description isn't always helpful when selecting a specific plastic for a particular application. Many applications have multiple types of wear happening simultaneously making the selection process even more difficult.

So how do you go about selecting the best polymer for your specific friction and wear application? Use the following material selection process to help you identify suitable options.

1. Determine the mechanism (or mechanisms) of wear.

   • sliding wear
   • abrasive wear
   • rolling contact fatigue
   • impact fatigue

2. Consider the chemistry of the mating surface.

   • soft metal
   • hard metal
   • plastic

3. Measure the important wear and friction factors.

   • load
   • velocity/speed
   • surface finish
   • the presence/absence of abrasive debris
   • the presence/absence of lubricants

4. Consider environmental factors.

   • operating temperature range
   • humidity
   • the presence/absence of water or other chemicals
   • vacuum conditions
   • exposure to UV or other radiation

5. Identify base polymers that are capable of operating under the mechanical loads and the environmental conditions associated with the application.

   Example: a limited number of polymers, including PEEK, Torlon® PAI, and polyimide, can function in friction and wear applications for extended periods of time at temperatures above 300 degrees F.

6. Consider which of the candidate base polymers has the required friction and wear characteristics.

   Example: UHMW-PE has excellent resistance to abrasive wear from gritty particles and PEEK has outstanding rolling contact fatigue characteristics.

7. Determine which (if any) additives to the polymer formulation would enhance friction and wear performance in the application.

   Example: the addition of rubber particles may enhance impact fatigue resistance.

   

8. Conduct testing to determine which plastic material is most suitable for the application.

   If testing can’t be performed on the actual machinery where the plastic part will be used, it is important to simulate the application conditions as closely as possible.

For more in depth information on plastic material selection for friction and wear to help answer these questions read our white paper Plastic Materials for Friction and Wear Applications.

For additional information view our webinar Solving Friction and Wear Challenges with Engineering Plastics, or Contact Us for assistance with plastic material selection for your applications.