Journal of Engineering Science and Technology

Vol. 11, No. 1 (2016) 068 - 084

© School of Engineering, Taylor’s University

TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOURS OF ABS AND PA6 POLYMER-

METAL SLIDING COMBINATIONS UNDER DRY FRICTION,
WATER ABSORBED AND ELECTROPLATED CONDITIONS
1, 2
MITHUN V. KULKARNI *, K. ELANGOVAN ,
3 4
K. HEMACHANDRA REDDY , BASAPPA, S. J.
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, JNTU College of Engineering, Anatapur,
Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India
2
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cambridge Institute of Technology, Bengaluru,
Karnataka, India
3
Department of Mechanical Engineering, JNTU College of Engineering, Anatapur,
Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India
4
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sambhram Institute of Technology, Bengaluru,
Karnataka, India
*Corresponding Author: [email protected]

Abstract
The friction and wear properties of polyamide 6 (PA6) and poly-Acrylonitrile
Butadiene Styrene (ABS) sliding against metal under dry sliding, water
absorption and electroplated (EP) conditions were studied by using a pin-on-
disc tribometer. The effect of applied load and sliding speed on the
tribological behaviours of the polymer–metal sliding combinations under dry
sliding, water absorbed and EP conditions were also investigated. The worn
surfaces were examined by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
Experimental results showed that ABS samples under water absorbed
conditions showed higher wear loss compared to normal samples and the EP
samples had exhibited lower wear loss compared to the water absorbed
samples. Similarly EP-PA6 samples exhibited excellent wear resistance
when compared with EP-ABS samples. Further, it was observed that the
frictional heat produced on account of sliding action had a significant effect
on the tribological behaviours of samples under dry sliding and water
absorbed conditions.
Keywords: Dry friction, Wear, Tribology, Frictional heat, Water absorption,
Electroplating, PA6, ABS.

68
 Tribological Behaviours of ABS and PA6 Polymer-Metal Sliding . . . . 69

Nomenclatures

K Wear rate, mm3/ N-m

∆m Weight loss, g
L Sliding distance, m
P Applied load, N
Ra Surface roughness, µm
V Sliding speed, m/s
Q Heat generated, N-m/s

Greek Symbols
ρ Density of polymers, g/cm3
Ø Diameter, mm

Abbreviations
ABS Poly-Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
PA6 Polyamide 6
EP Electroplated
SEM Scanning Electron Microscopy
SAN Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer
COW Coefficient of Wear
RH Relative humidity
EP-PA6 Electroplated Polyamide6
EP-ABS Electroplated ABS
1. Introduction
Due to the recent developments in production technology and resin development
systems, there has been a substitution of metals from plastics in a wide range of
applications. The volume of polymer consumed each year is already greater than
that of steel [1]. According to ASTM D883 80C, polymers are divided into two
groups with regard to their chemical and technological behaviours [1, 2]:
thermosetting and thermoplastic [3]. The main benefits of plastics over metals are
ease of fabrication, one stage moulding of parts, greater design flexibility and
weight savings [4, 5]. Plastics are being used in development of gears, cams and
bearings. Many of these are produced by either injection moulding or
compression moulding or by extrusion. Therefore, looking at the applications and
to obtain better properties like, longer life, reduced friction and wear, better
strength, etc., of the products produced in lesser time, both tribological and
processing conditions must be examined [6] and sometimes it becomes extremely
important to study polymers and polymer-based composites in different
conditions like dry friction and lubricated conditions to obtain the combination of
good mechanical and tribological properties [7-12]. According to Kalácska [13],
the effect of friction on the wear of engineering polymers is a complex and
intricate consequence of the micro and macroscopic interactions of surfaces move
against one another. Friction and the resulting wear are not material properties of
plastics; therefore, they cannot be reduced to tabular data of material
characteristics that can be found in relevant manuals. Determining friction and the
resulting wear involves more complex examination because they are
characteristics of a frictional contact system where the effects of the entire system

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70 Mithun V. Kulkarni et al.

are manifested. Precise knowledge of system conditions is essential to evaluate

the friction and resulting wear [14].
In recent years, researchers have focused on developing surface-modified
engineering polymers and nano-composites because of new technology that
enhances the tribological behaviour by changing the molecular or matrix structure
to change the surface or bulk properties [15-17]. Plastics are often reinforced with
fillers, additives, binders, and very recently researchers have shed light on
adopting electroplating as a technique for enhancing the strength of materials.
Electroplating has been previously used for purposes, such as electromagnetic
shielding, weight reduction, electrical conductivity, formability enhancements,
high impact resistance and weatherproofing [18]. Many of the plastics like ABS,
Polycarbonate, Polyphenylene, Teflon, etc., are being plated today for giving
properties like high thermal resistance, durability and metallic properties to the
plastic surfaces [18-20]. Kulkarni et al. [18], Chandrasekhar et al. [21], Kannan
and Senthilkumaran [22], Raju et al. [23], have shown how electroplating
enhances the strength of a plastics under consideration. ABS and PAs are the two
most important thermoplastics used in a variety of industrial applications like
textiles, Automotives, carpet and sportswear [24].
ABS is made by a combination of styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN),
which is brittle in nature with polybutadiene; it makes ABS tougher. Upon the
combination polybutadiene produces two forms: a graft terpolymer and a small
rubber spheres which is dispersed in the terpolymer and SAN matrix. ABS is an
amorphous material. It is tough, stiff, and abrasion resistant; it is widely used in
casing boat shells and food containers [3]. Some plastic materials absorb certain
quantities of moisture and change their mechanical properties with the quantity
of absorbed moisture. Also the dimensions of such materials change with the
quantity of absorbed moisture. However, in case of ABS, the absorbed
moisture does not affect the properties of the finished item as well as the
dimensional stability. Moisture absorption in case of ABS plastics is less than
one percent [25].
PAs have a crystalline structure. There are a number of common PAs like
nylon 6, nylon 6.6, nylon 6.10, and nylon 6.11. Nylons, in general are rigid,
strong, tough, and have the ability to withstand higher melting points [3]. In
general, all PAs are hygroscopic [26], i.e., they absorb water from both air and
liquids. Hygroscopic property of polymers becomes an essential factor while
selecting materials, designing parts, mechanical performance and optimization. It
is estimated that the equilibrium moisture content of PA6 is around 2.5 wt% at
23°C, 50% RH and 9 wt% at 23°C, 100% RH [27]. Generally, it is noted that the
moisture content in nylon is a prime factor affecting polymerization,
compounding and moulding. It is seen affecting the mechanical, dimensional, and
surface appearance when it is used in end-user products [28]. Dimensional
changes of 0.7% can result in nylon parts from the "as-moulded" state to
equilibrium at 50% RH environments. This change occurs in approximately 150
days for a 0.060 inch (1.5 mm) thick part [29]. The absorbed water in the layers of
polymer works as a plasticizer. Since Nylon being semi crystalline material has
both crystalline and amorphous phases. The moisture actually penetrates into the
amorphous region, although small, water molecules take up space and displace
the nylon molecules. This results in the nylon molecular matrix swelling [29]. The
water molecules try to establish hydrogen-bonds with the amide group and

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 Tribological Behaviours of ABS and PA6 Polymer-Metal Sliding . . . . 71

enhance the molecular chain mobility [28], which in turn affects material
properties such as modulus, yield stress, toughness, etc. [30]. The water
absorption by plastics also results in alterations of dimensions and mass due to the
stress and swelling that causes serious damage to the whole structure. Being
dimensionally stable is very important for components used with narrow
tolerances and intricate shapes [31].
A number of investigations related to the tribological performance of
polymers have been carried out. The parameters that dictate the tribological
performance of polymer and its composites include polymer molecular
structure, processing and treatment, properties, viscoelastic behaviour, surface
texture, etc., [32-36]. Watanabe et al. [37], Tanaka [38], Bahadur and Tabor
[39] reported that the tribological behaviour of polyamide, high density
polyethylene and their composites is generally affected by normal load, sliding
speed and temperature. Pihtili and Tosun [40, 41] showed that applied load and
sliding speed play a significant role on the wear behaviour of polymer and its
composites. They also show that applied load has more effect on the wear than
the speed for composites. Franklin [42] reports that wear behaviour of polymers
under dry reciprocating sliding conditions does not always follow the generally
accepted engineering rule of ‘higher sliding speed, the higher wear rate’. The
influence of the normal load on the friction coefficient and wear rate of
different polymer and composite materials was investigated [43] and it was
found that the values of friction coefficient and wear rate are different for
different materials.
From the aforementioned research works, it can be concluded that the wear
coefficient of polymer materials at different normal and sliding velocity differs
significantly. Even now a days, the effect of normal load and sliding velocity on
wear coefficient and wear rate of polymer materials such as ABS and nylon
sliding against steel surface is less understood and that too when the materials are
in different conditions. This means that more research work is needed for a better
understanding of wear coefficient and wear rate of these materials under normal
loads and sliding velocities on steel surfaces. Therefore, in order to understand
more clearly, in this study experiments are carried out to investigate the influence
of normal loads and sliding velocities on wear coefficient and wear rate of ABS
and PA6 in three different conditions viz., dry (normal), water absorbed and EP.
An effort has been made to compare the tribological properties of the above said
materials in these conditions. The authors are of the opinion that there haven’t
been much tribological studies on plastics / polymers in EP conditions. Therefore
this study could shed light on understanding the effects of electroplating on the
tribological behaviour of plastics and thus it could be a significant contribution to
studies on wear and friction of polymers.

2. Experimental Part
2.1. Materials
PA6 and ABS were used in this study. The PA6 and ABS specimens were
injection moulded from pelletized materials procured from Jayalakshmi Polymers,
Bengaluru, using a screw type injection moulding machine (ARBURG 170 / 90 /
200, a 20T capacity machine at shrinidhi plastics, Bengaluru).

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72 Mithun V. Kulkarni et al.

2.2. Friction and wear tests

The friction and wear tests were conducted on a pin-on-disc type tribometer.
Figures 1 and 2 provide the schematic diagram of the polymer samples and
tribometer used in the study. A disc (Ø160 mm × 11.5 mm) rotating at a selected
speed slid against a pin (10 mm × 10 mm × 4 mm). Before each test, a polymer
pin was fixed on the tester and rubbed against a metallographic 600 grit abrasive
paper placed on the rotating disc. This pre-rubbing process ensured a full contact
of the pin and disc surfaces. Metal discs were cleaned with acetone and dried. The
surface roughness Ra of polymer specimens was 1.815-2.12µm. All the
specimens were thoroughly cleaned. The friction and wear tests were performed
at room temperature (23 ± 5 oC) in atmosphere (relative humidity (RH): 50 ±
10%). Applied loads ranged from 10 N to 70 N, the rotation speeds of discs
ranged from 2.5m/s to 7.5 m/s, and the sliding distance was 1000 m. The wear
was measured by the weight loss of pin and disc using an analytical balance
(precision: 0.001 mg). The wear rate (K, mm3/N-m) reported in this study was
calculated according to the following equation:
∆

= (1)


where, ∆m was the weight loss (g), L the sliding distance (m), P the applied load
(N) and ρ was the density of polymers (g/cm3). The density was measured as per
ASTM D792 standard, which was primarily based on Archimedes principle. For
minimizing data scattering, three replicate sliding tests were carried out in this
work, the wear coefficient and wear rate were average values of three replicate
test results.

Fig. 1. Dimensions of wear Fig. 2. Pin-on-disc type tribo-

specimen used in the study. meter used in the study.

2.3. Worn surface analysis

The worn surfaces of ABS and PA6 were cleaned thoroughly. The samples were
sputter coated with gold-palladium coating of 10nm thickness. It was noted that
samples were nonconducting and could not be subjected directly for SEM studies
and therefore samples had been coated with gold-palladium coating which offered
the required conductivity for SEM studies. These sputter coated samples were
then subjected to SEM (Jeol 6390LV, SAIF, STIC, Kochi, India) study, to expose
the wear mechanisms.

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 Tribological Behaviours of ABS and PA6 Polymer-Metal Sliding . . . . 73

3. Results and Discussions

3.1. Friction and wear properties
The wear coefficients of PA6–metal and ABS-metal sliding combinations under
dry friction (Normal), 24 hours water absorbed and EP conditions are given in
Fig. 3. The thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer specimens are listed
in Table 1. Under dry friction conditions, the wear coefficient of PA6 is higher
and the recorded value is about 23.8 % higher than ABS. The wear coefficient of
ABS–metal combinations under water absorbed conditions is higher and is about
92.3 % higher in comparison with PA6. The EP samples show the same wear
coefficient in both ABS and PA6 samples and the values are lower than dry
friction and water absorbed conditions.
The specific wear rates of PA6 and ABS samples under dry friction, 24 hours
water absorbed and EP conditions are shown in Fig. 4. It is interesting to note that
wear rate of ABS samples are higher under dry sliding and 24 hours water
absorbed conditions when it is compared with PA6 samples. But the wear rate of
both ABS and PA6 are found to be the same under EP conditions. The wear rate
of PA6 normal sample is not observed in Fig. 4, since the wear rate is as small as
less than 10−5 mm3/N-m. Moreover from the Table 1 it is understood that the
hardness and surface roughness values of water absorbed samples have not shown
an appreciable increase and from the literature survey it is understood that
polymer samples in the water absorbed state lose their mechanical strength and
this causes enhanced coefficient of wear (COW) and wear rate in the water
absorbed samples. The SEM study conducted on these samples in section 3.2
provides the evidence for the same. The EP samples exhibit enhanced hardness
and the Ra values indicate smooth surface i.e., reduced roughness as compared
with dry and water absorbed samples. The smooth surface of the EP samples
causes them to slide over the metal counter surface. Thus reduced COW and wear
rates are observed with EP samples.

Fig. 3. Wear coefficients of polymer Fig. 4. Wear rates of polymer samples

samples under dry sliding (normal under dry sliding, 24 hours water
sample), 24 hours water absorbed absorbed and EP conditions (applied
and EP conditions (applied load: 10 load: 10 N, sliding speed: 2.5 m/s,
N, sliding speed: 2.5 m/s, sliding sliding distance: 1000 m).
distance: 1000 m).

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74 Mithun V. Kulkarni et al.

Table 1. Thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer specimens.

Properties ABS PA6 ABS PA6 ABS PA6
Tensile Strength (MPa) 38.5 41.3 32.5 25.7 27.4 50.1
Hardness (HRR) 97.9 90.9 93 87 112 105
Melting point (oC) 107 222 - - - -
Surface roughness, Ra 1.815 2.12 1.9 2.18 0.03 0.18
Condition of samples Dry Water absorbed Electroplated

3.1.1. Applied load effect on friction and wear

Figure 5 indicates the variation of the wear coefficient with applied load for
ABS–metal sliding combinations under dry friction, 24 hours water absorbed and
EP conditions. The results in Fig. 5 reveal that the wear coefficients of all sliding
combinations increase with the increasing applied load for dry friction, water
absorbed and EP conditions for ABS samples. A higher COW is observed with
water absorbed samples (Fig. 5) and this means, the samples tend to offer some
amount of resistance for rubbing but at the same time the absorbed water in the
layers of ABS weakens the mechanical strength of the samples. Also, as the load
increases the wear resistance tends to increase, and the resistance causes a rise in
temperature which further supports wearing of the samples as seen from Fig. 14.
The decrease in COW of normal and water absorbed samples indicate that
samples are free to move over the counter surface and the possible reason for
decrease in the COW and wear rate (Fig. 7) can be attributed to matrix softening
due to the rise in temperature with increased load, this helps in smoothening of
surface layers that are in contact with the counter surface. The smooth layers help
in easy sliding and reduced wear rate of the samples subjected to dry sliding. The
EP samples have metal layers (nickel and copper) that helps in exhibiting
enhanced wear resistance and also the surface roughness of these samples is too
low which exhibits extreme smoothness as compared to dry and water absorbed
samples. The SEM analysis of these samples is carried out to make a note of
peeling of these metal layers and has been discussed under section 3.2.
While from Fig. 6 it is understood that the wear coefficient of PA6 increases
with increase in applied loads for dry sliding, whereas the wear coefficients are
independent of applied loads for water absorbed and EP conditions. Figure 8
shows the variation of specific wear rates of PA6 samples with applied load for
the above said conditions. The wear loss of PA6 samples increases sharply with
the increasing applied load under all sliding conditions. It is also interesting to
note that PA6 samples which absorb more water when compared to ABS have
shown reduced COW and wear rate. It is learnt from previous literatures that PA6
samples have been used in many tribological related applications like in gears,
fittings, and bearings, in the automotive industry for under-the-hood parts, as a
material for power tools housings and for automobile fuel tanks [44] and all these
are due to its excellent wear resistance. It is also seen that the water absorbed and
EP curves crisscross each other between 10 N and 30 N loads. This could be due
to the low friction force and load at the beginning of the sliding, as the load
increases the EP sample tends to get rid of the EP layers. However it is not very
clear that at what load the base material would come in contact with the counter
surface. Hence, a small study had to be carried out to select the upper load limit
wherein the sample subjected to sliding at a load with the coating material still

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 Tribological Behaviours of ABS and PA6 Polymer-Metal Sliding . . . . 75

exists. Also the results of the research have been ascertained using SEM analysis.
It is understood from Fig. 8 that with the increase in load the EP samples tend to
undergo ploughing effect, trapped wear particles between the contacting surfaces
tend to increase the wear rate [32]. The samples subjected to dry sliding shows
enhanced wear loss but is comparatively lesser to ABS samples. The reason for
the increment in wear loss is due to effects of the rise in temperature as observed
in Fig. 16, as there is a steep rise in COW values with the increase in PV value.

Fig. 5. Effect of applied load on wear Fig. 6. Effect of applied load on wear
coefficients under dry sliding, 24 hours coefficients under dry sliding, 24 hours
water absorbed and EP conditions of water absorbed and EP conditions of
ABS samples (sliding speed: 2.5 m/s and PA6 samples (sliding speed: 2.5 m/s
sliding distance; 1000 m). and sliding distance; 1000 m).

Fig. 7. Effect of applied load on wear Fig. 8. Effect of applied load on

rate of ABS samples under dry sliding, wear rate of PA6 samples under dry
24 hours water absorbed and EP sliding, 24 hours water absorbed
conditions (sliding speed: 2.5 m/s, and EP conditions (sliding speed: 2.5
sliding distance: 1000 m). m/s, sliding distance 1000 m).

3.1.2. Sliding speed effect on friction and wear

The effect of sliding speed on wear coefficients of ABS sliding combinations
under dry sliding, 24 hours water absorbed and EP conditions is presented in Fig.
9. As seen from Fig. 9, the wear coefficient of ABS-metal combination under dry
friction condition increases to the maximum value when the sliding speed is 5
m/s; after that, the wear coefficient decreases with the increasing sliding speed;
the wear coefficient of ABS samples under water absorbed conditions indicates
drastic reduction in wear rate with the increase in sliding speed.

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 76 Mithun V. Kulkarni et al.

Fig. 9. Effect of sliding speed on wear Fig. 10. Effect of sliding speed on wear
coefficients under dry sliding, 24 coefficients under dry sliding, 24 hours
hours water absorbed and EP water absorbed and EP conditions
conditions (applied load: 10 N, (applied load: 10 N, sliding
sliding distance:1000 m). distance:1000 m).

Fig. 11. Effect of sliding speed on Fig. 12. Effect of sliding speed on wear
wear rates of ABS samples under rates of PA6 samples under dry sliding,
dry sliding, 24 hours water absorbed 24 hours water absorbed and EP
and EP conditions (applied load: 10 conditions (applied load: 10 N, sliding
N, sliding distance:1000 m). distance: 1000 m).

As seen from Fig. 10 dry sliding and water absorbed PA6 samples show
higher wear coefficient in comparison with EP samples. The values of all samples
under all conditions increase till 5 m/s and thereafter EP samples show a slight
increase with increasing speed whereas normal/dry sliding and water absorbed
samples do not vary with increasing speed.
The effect of sliding speed on the specific wear rates of ABS and PA6 samples
under dry sliding, 24 hours water absorbed and EP conditions are given in Figs. 11
and 12. The specific wear rate of water absorbed PA6 sample increases till 5 m/s
and after that attains a stagnation point, i.e., specific wear rate does not vary with
increase in speed after 5 m/s rubbing speed, but the normal sample on the other
hand does not show any variation in wear rate between 2.5 m/s and 5 m/s rubbing
speed and increases beyond 5 m/s. This is not visible in Fig. 12 as the specific wear
rate values are as less as 10-6 mm3/N-m for normal and EP conditions. The EP
values show an increasing trend with the increase in sliding speed.
It appears that EP samples are independent of the increase in sliding speed. It
is understood that after the running-in process for certain duration, surface
roughness and other parameters reach to a steady state value and for this reason,

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 Tribological Behaviours of ABS and PA6 Polymer-Metal Sliding . . . . 77

there is no change in friction with time. These findings are in agreement with the
findings of Chowdhury et al. [32] and Chowdhury and Helali [45].

3.2. SEM observation of worn surfaces

The SEM micrographs of worn surfaces of ABS and PA6 under dry friction, 24
hours water absorbed and EP conditions are given in Fig. 13. It is observed that
the worn surface of PA6 under dry friction condition is smooth, and no debris is
observed in this case. As for 24 hrs water absorbed condition, there is much
debris on the worn surface as observed from Fig. 13(d), the surface of PA6 is
noted to have obviously and deeply frictional marks. The previously discussed
experimental results found that the wear rate of PA6 under water absorbed
condition was greater than that under normal condition (Fig. 3). The SEM-EDX
analysis of EP-PA6 indicates the erosion of nickel layer and the presence of the
conductive paint layer (Ag) [Nylon’s electroplating procedure involves the
conductive painting of PA6 surface and then subjecting the painted PA6 sample
to copper and Nickel electroplating procedure] and copper layer, thus it could be
understood that the sample has resisted wear loss to a much greater extent as
compared to normal and water absorbed conditions. The EP-PA6 sample’s worn
surface indicates a smoother surface as compared with 24 hrs water absorbed
SEM images.
Similarly, the worn surface of ABS sample shows the formation of flake like
surface as observed from Fig. 13 (a). The samples subjected to water absorption
studies indicate larger flakes, and are characterized by no debris formation on
the worn surface. The enlargement in the size of the flakes indicates the
increase in the COW and wear rate and this is also observed in Fig. 3 where
ABS under water absorbed condition shows more wear loss than any other
samples under study. The SEM-EDX analysis of EP-ABS samples indicates the
erosion of nickel layer, this causes reduced wear loss and the worn surface to
appear smoother than normal and the water absorbed samples, Fig. 13(e). From
Fig. 3 it is also understood that PA6 sample’s hardness values are lesser than
ABS samples and thus makes it to undergo lesser wear loss when compared to
ABS samples under dry condition, also the reason for increased wear in the
water absorbed samples can be deduced from the fact that water diffuses into
PA6 and ABS surface from micro cracks and micro pores on polymer surfaces,
which induces the reduction in mechanical strength under water absorbed
condition and this is seen as a fact from Table 1, wherein the tensile strength of
the material has decreased in water absorbed state and also there isn’t much
improvement in hardness values and therefore higher wear rate can be observed
under water absorbed condition.
Also from Fig.14 it is observed that EP-ABS and EP-PA6 samples subjected
to a load of 30N experiences a little higher wear loss. It is understood that higher
load leads to ploughing effect which helps in trapping of the wear particles this
increases the wear rate. From Fig. 15 it is observed that water absorbed PA-6
samples undergo delamination and hence peeling of layers with the increase in
speed (5 m/s), this is quite different from what is observed at 2.5 m/s rubbing
speed. But, water absorbed samples even at higher load of 70N and higher speed
of 5 m/s and have not undergone delamination.

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78 Mithun V. Kulkarni et al.

(a) Normal-ABS (b) Normal-PA6

(c) 24 hours-ABS (d) 24 hours-PA6

(e) EP-ABS EDX results (f) EP-PA6 EDX results

Fig. 13. SEM micrographs of worn surfaces under dry sliding,
24 hours water absorbed and EP conditions (Applied load: 10 N,
sliding speed: 2.5 m/s, sliding distance: 1000 m).

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 Tribological Behaviours of ABS and PA6 Polymer-Metal Sliding . . . . 79

(a) EP-ABS samples subjected to 30 N. (b) EP-PA6 samples subjected to 30 N.

Fig. 14. SEM micrographs of worn surfaces under
EP conditions (sliding speed: 2.5 m/s, sliding distance: 1000 m).

(a) 24 hours water absorbed ABS sample (b) 24 hours water absorbed PA6 sample
subjected to 70 N load, sliding speed: subjected to 10 N load, sliding speed:
2.5 m/s. 5 m/s.

(c) 24 hours water absorbed ABS sample subjected to 10 N load, sliding speed: 5 m/s.
Fig. 15. SEM micrographs of worn surfaces under 24 hours
water absorbed condition (sliding distance: 1000 m).

3.3. Discussion
According to Jia et al. [9], the rubbing between materials at all times results in
heat generation due to the unevenness of the surfaces which causes a rise in the
temperature between the surfaces when they come in contact or rub or slide
against each other. The amount of heat generated is determined by the formula Q

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80 Mithun V. Kulkarni et al.

= µPV [9], where µ is the friction coefficient, P the applied load, and V is the
sliding speed. In the early studies, Watanabe et al. [37] has stated that the
maximum friction with increasing sliding speed for nylon–metal couple is
attributed to temperature effects is caused by frictional heat.
As it is known that the effect of applied load P and sliding speed V leads to the
rising of temperature on worn surfaces under sliding conditions [9], the
relationship between wear coefficient and PV value under dry sliding and the
water absorbed conditions for ABS and PA6 samples is exhibited in Fig. 16 and
17, which is on the basis of the results shown in Figs. 3 to 10. It is recognized
from Fig. 16 that the wear coefficient increases with the increasing PV value for
the ABS samples; with the increase in wear coefficient the specific wear rate also
increases. The water absorbed samples show higher wear coefficient and hence
higher specific wear rate than normal and EP samples. The possible reason for
this increase in wear coefficient and wear rate may be due to the various
molecular motions [9] of ABS sliding surface. Also ABS samples absorb a little
water due to which the water in ABS weakens the ABS matrix and decreases the
mechanical strength. Therefore, an increase in heat generation takes place and
leads to higher COW and wear loss. But in case of PA6 the water acts as a
lubricant and reduces the wear loss and COW as observed from Fig. 17. PA6
samples are more rigid than ABS and hence under dry sliding create more friction
and due to which more heat and more wear loss with an increase in PV value.

Fig. 16. Relationship between wear coefficient of ABS-metal

combination and PV value for dry sliding, water absorbed and EP condition.

Fig. 17. Relationship between wear coefficient of PA6-metal

combination and PV value for dry sliding, water absorbed and EP condition.

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 Tribological Behaviours of ABS and PA6 Polymer-Metal Sliding . . . . 81

The possible rise and fall of COW and wear rate of ABS and PA6 values
under various conditions can be attributed to the reason that, when the PV value is
small, the thermal motion of PA6 and ABS molecules is weak because the
frictional heat is relatively low, then the deformation of PA6 and ABS molecule
cannot respond to external forces, so the wear coefficient and the wear rate are
relatively high. As the frictional heat gradually increases, the amount of PA6 and
ABS molecules in movement gradually increases, then the deformation of PA6
and ABS molecules can respond to external forces, so the corresponding wear
coefficient and the wear rate of PA6 and ABS gradually decrease. With the
increasing frictional heat, the molecular segments of PA6 and ABS are likely to
move, so the friction and wear of PA6 and ABS increase with increasing
frictional heat, because PA6 and ABS molecules can easily entangle or
interpenetrate into each other in this state. When the frictional heat increases with
the increasing PV value, the PA6 and ABS main molecules can move freely, and
the molten sliding surface forms a low shear-strength interfacial layer which
behaves as a lubricant, so the wear coefficient decreases. Furthermore, the PA6
and ABS sliding surface can melt flow under external forces, so the wear rate of
PA6 and ABS increases sharply.

4. Conclusions
The following are the conclusions drawn from the tribological studies on the ABS
and PA6 samples subjected to various test conditions.
• The higher wear loss of PA6 under dry sliding and ABS in the water
absorbed conditions is due to the reduction in mechanical strength.
• The EP-ABS and EP-PA6 samples exhibit lower wear loss and lower wear
coefficient when they are compared with their counterparts in dry and water
absorbed conditions.
• The friction and wear behaviours of PA6–metal combination are closely
dependent on the PV value for the dry sliding condition, while the PV value
has little effect on the tribological behaviours for water absorbed and EP
conditions, whereas for ABS–metal combination is closely dependent on the
PV value for the water absorbed condition, while the PV value has little effect
on the tribological behaviours for dry sliding and EP conditions.
• The study indicates clearly that by using PA6 in the EP condition has
beneficial effect for industrial applications in terms of wear resistance,
hardness and strength.

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