Influence of the Filler Size and the Counterbody Surface on the Formation of a Friction Layer Under Solid Lubricated Polymer Nanocomposite S-Steel Sliding

Abstract

The influence of the characteristics of particle inclusions and the surface microgeometry of the substrate on the conditions of formation of a stable transfer film under friction of a polymer nanocomposite are analyzed. The investigations have been performed with the help of cellular automata, within the framework of which the profile of the counterbody surface, the adhesion properties of the matrix material, and the size of the nanofiller particles are taken into account. It is shown that to endow a hybrid polymer nanocomposite with low-friction properties, it is preferable that the nanofiller consist of particles whose sizes are comparable to the characteristic size of the microprofile of the substrate. Estimates are made of the shape and size of cavities in the surface of the counterbody facilitating the conditions of formation of a stable transfer film of SiO₂ particles.