Tribotechnical Characteristics of HDPE-Based Polymer Composites under Friction with Snow

Abstract

Results of evaluating the tribotechnical characteristics of polymer composite materials based on low-density polyethylene PE273, modified with various fillers: polyethylene wax (5%), graphite with carbon black (15%), and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (5% UHMWPE), are presented. The aim of the work was to evaluate the friction coefficient during contact with snow and the wear resistance of the materials under conditions of dry friction at extreme load-speed parameters. The studies were conducted using a specialized tribometer, simulating ski operating conditions, and a 2070 SMT-1 friction machine. It was found that the introduction of 5% UHMWPE into the base polymer reduces the friction coefficient by a factor of 2–3 (to 0.02–0.08) in the temperature range from –10 to 0°C. Furthermore, this composition-maintained operability at friction over steel at a velocity of 0.5 m/s at contact pressures up to 1.0 MPa, while other composites studied failed at 0.75 MPa. The results of the work are of practical importance for the development of sliding surfaces for sports and transportation means operating under extreme conditions of temperature and load.