Polymer mechanics and tribology

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the advances in mechanics and tribology of polymers and polymer-based materials. It is focused on the understanding of the correlation of contact mechanics and the tribological behavior of polymers and polymer composites by taking account of surface forces and adhesion in the contact. Design/methodology/approach Mechanical behavior of polymers is considered a viscoelasticity. Tribological performance is estimated while considering the parts of deformation and adhesion in friction arising in the contact. Surface energy, roughness, load and temperature effects on the tribological behavior of polymers are evaluated. Polymer composites produced by reinforcing and by the addition of functional additives are considered as materials for various applications in tribology. Particular attention is given to polymer-based nanocomposites. Findings A review of studies in tribology has shown that polymer-based materials can be most successfully used as self-lubricating components of sliding bearings. The use of the fillers provides changes in the tribological performance of neat polymers and widens their areas of application in the industry. Thin polymer films were found to be prospective lubricants for memory storage devices, micro-electro-mechanical systems and precision mechanisms. Further progress in polymer tribology should be achieved on solving the problems of contact mechanics, surface physics and tribochemistry by taking account of the scale factor. Originality/value The review is based on the experience of the authors in polymer mechanics and tribology, their research data and on data of many other literature sources published in this area. It can be useful for specialists in polymer research and industrial engineers working in tribology and industrial lubrication.