Assessment of tribological properties of polyamides with various biolubricants

Abstract

Polyamide occupies a vital role in all categories of industries, due to its beneficial characteristics such as low coefficient of friction, better toughness, impact resistance and abrasion resistance. Polyamides are polymers in which the repeating units are held together by the amide group. However, the polyamide has few limitations such as less resistance to fatigue, less dimensional stability and also greatly affected by moisture and temperature. Thus, an investigation is required to improve the tribological properties of polyamides. In this regard, the reinforcing polyamides by fillers such as glass fibre, molybdenum disulphide, polytetrafluoroethylene and silicon have become an effective way for enhancing the properties of polyamides. Addition of filler with polyamides that improves rigidity, resistance to vibration, resistance to fatigue and corrosion and mainly withstands in high temperature during the dynamic motion. To improve the tribological properties of polyamide, mineral oil lubricants are applied between the contact surfaces, to reduce friction. Due to the demand for source of petroleum and excessive cost, the petroleum based lubricants have been replaced by bio lubricant since it produces less toxin in working environment, reduces fewer skin diseases, offers better safety at higher flash points, produces constant viscosity, less oil mist and reduces vapour emission at higher boiling temperature. newline