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 polyethylene (PA-6/UHMWPE), using a pin-on-disc test, and rubbing against a stainless steel counterface. The wear behavior of PA-6 and UHMWPE was also investigated 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 analysis was carried out to develop an equation in which the wear volume of the specimen was expressed in terms of sliding distance, contact pressure and sliding speed. It was observed that the wear rate was lower for PA-6 than the other two materials. UHMWPE exhibited the lowest wear resistance. Contact pressure was found to be the most important factor in the wear of materials, followed by sliding distance and sliding speed. Sliding distance had the highest relative effect on the wear of PA-6/UHMWPE. Sliding speed seemed to have the least effect on the wear volume of the investigated materials. The results show that the wear behavior of these materials, and the effects of factors on the wear. depend on the physical and mechanical properties of the materials. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.