Influence of Water Absorption on Static Friction of Pure and Friction-Modified PA6 Polymers

In the present study, static coefficients of friction of pure and friction modified (FM) polyamide 6 (PA6) polymers against primer-coated steel surfaces were investigated under a series of nominal contact pressures and by considering the influences of water absorption by the polymer, temperature, counter-body surface roughness and lubrication conditions. Under the majority of the test conditions investigated, FM PA6 exhibited lower static friction than pure PA6. Under unlubricated conditions, this was due to the low adhesion of the FM PA6 provided by its friction modifying inclusions; while under lubricated conditions, a combination of softening due to water absorption and decreased adhesion provided by its friction modifiers enabled lower static friction, especially at medium and high contact pressures.