Fundamentals of tribofilms under high temperature conditions – Analysis of the formation and functional mechanisms of the tribofilms in polymer/metal-tribosystems and their effect on the friction and wear performance

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Leyu Lin
• Subject Area: Polymeric and Biogenic Materials and Derived Composites
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 508931230

The aim of this research project is to investigate the influence of the operating temperature on the fundamental formation mechanisms of the tribofilms on the steel counterface and their effect on the friction and wear performance within a thermoplastic/metal-tribosystem by in-depth analysis of the experimental results, polymer worn surfaces as well as the chemical and mechanical properties of the tribofilms. Herein, the experimental focus will lie on the investigations of the temperature- and load-dependent, e.g. contact pressure and sliding velocity, tribological response of polymeric materials and the correlations between tribological performance and tribofilms, in order to fundamentally understand the role of the thermal characteristics on the tribological behavior of polymeric materials. This suggested project presents a new insight in the polymer tribology by considering the temperature-dependent evolution of the tribofilms on the metal interface and their effect on the friction and wear properties at elevated operating temperatures, which is highly relevant to the industrial applications. The knowledge gained will benefit to better tailor reliable polymer-based tribomaterials for engineering applications under temperature-specified conditions.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr.-Ing. Alois K. Schlarb