Tribological performance of a polyethersulfone (PESU)-based nanocomposite with potential surface changes of the metallic counterbody

In the present study, the impact of the loading history on the friction and wear behavior of a PESU-based nanocomposite/steel tribosystem was studied. Surprisingly, it was found that the supposedly stronger friction partner, the steel counterpart was also worn when the load conditions are above a critical load limit leading to significantly higher wear of the nanocomposite in the subsequent sliding process. Analysis of the steel worn surfaces substantiated the occurrence of the tribochemical reactions during sliding. These reactions were attributed to the redox between the sulfur dioxide (SO2) decomposed from PESU above its degradation tem-perature and the iron of the metallic counterbody, which led to pronounced changes of the steel surface. As a result, high wear was observed in the following frictional process. Therefore, it seems imperative to consider the possibility of tribochemical reactions when using PESU-based materials for tribological applications in their qualification.

Automated summary

The impact of loading history on the friction and wear behavior of a PESU-based nanocomposite/steel tribosystem was investigated in this study. Surprisingly, the steel counterpart, which was expected to be stronger, also experienced wear when the load conditions exceeded a critical load limit, resulting in significantly higher wear of the nanocomposite during subsequent sliding. Analysis of the worn surfaces of the steel confirmed the occurrence of tribochemical reactions during sliding, attributed to the redox between sulfur dioxide (SO2) decomposed from PESU and the iron of the metallic counterbody. These reactions led to pronounced changes of the steel surface and subsequent high wear.