Statistical wear analysis of PA-6/UHMWPE alloy, UHMWPE and PA-6

This paper, based on an orthogonal experimental design and analysis method, reports the wear of a blend of polyamide-6/ultrahigh molecular weight poly ethylene (PA-6/UHMWPE), using a pin-on-disc test, and rubbing against a sta inless steel counterface. The wear behavior of PA-6 and UHMWPE was also inv estigated for the purpose of comparison. The main purpose was to study the influence of the parameters: sliding distance, contact pressure and sliding speed on the wear performance of the investigated materials. Statistical a nalysis was carried out to develop an equation in which the wear volume of the specimen was expressed in terms of sliding distance, contact pressure a nd sliding speed. It was observed that the wear rate was lower for PA-6 tha n the other two materials. UHMWPE exhibited the lowest wear resistance. Con tact pressure was found to be the most important factor in the wear of mate rials, followed by sliding distance and sliding speed. Sliding distance had the highest relative effect on the wear of PA-6/UHMWPE. Sliding speed seem ed to have the least effect on the wear volume of the investigated material s. The results show that the wear behavior of these materials, and the effe cts of factors on the wear. depend on the physical and mechanical propertie s of the materials. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.