SURFACE FATIGUE OF POLYMERS IN ROLLING-CONTACT

Results of the study into the forms of surface failure of cross-linked polystyrene, polycarbonate and polymethylmethacrylate resulting from rolling contact are presented. Also the influence of two different lub ricating liquids on the time to failure is quantitatively assessed and discussed. Under the contact stress ranged from 1.5 to 2.6 GPa it was found that in case of certain polymers the surface failure is of simi lar type and morphology to that observed for some ferrous materials. T he type and chemical nature of a lubricating liquid both have a signif icant influence on the number of load cycles to failure. (C) 1998 Else vier Science S.A.