Response of Metals and Polymers During Sliding: Role of Surface Texture

Surface texture influences friction during sliding. In the present investigation, experiments were conducted using an inclined pin-on-plate apparatus to study the tribological response of metals and polymers during sliding against various surface textures. In the experiments, metals (Pb and Sn) and polymers (PP and PVC) were used for the pin and hardened steel was used for the plate. Experiments were conducted under both dry and lubricated conditions in an ambient environment. Two surface parameters of the steel plates — roughness and texture — were varied in the experiments. Using scanning electron microscope images, the surfaces of both the plate and pin materials were examined to determine the transfer layer formation on the plate and the wear of the pins. Based on the experimental results, it was observed that the transfer layer formation and the coefficient of friction were controlled by the surface texture of the plates. Moreover, both polymers and metals exhibited similar frictional responses, but the metals had a significantly larger variation in friction with surface texture.