Triboelectrification electrostatic potential of graphite/monomer casting nylon composites under dry sliding: Correlation with electrical resistivity and wear mechanisms

The variations of triboelectrification electrostatic potential of graphite (GP)/monomer casting (MC) nylon composites under plane contact dry sliding were investigated and the correlation with electrical resistivity and wear mechanisms were studied. MC nylon could be modified as excellent anti‐triboelectrification materials by a proper addition of GP, although unfilled MC nylon was inclined to generate higher triboelectrification electrostatic potential after friction due to the high electrical resistivity. The triboelectrification electrostatic potential and electrical resistivity of composites can be predicted by the content control of GP. The incorporation of GP filler made considerable contributions, which not only reduced and stabilized the triboelectrification electrostatic potential of composites but also enhanced their lubricating properties and the friction heat dissipation. The influences of PV‐values on the triboelectrification electrostatic potential of composites were less than that of electrical resistivity. Although the severe wear and the formation of transfer films resulted in triboelectrification electrostatic potential of unfilled MC nylon abruptly dropping shortly after the beginning of friction under the high PV‐values, it was conductive property, particle shape and size, distribution and dispersion of GP fillers, and density of conductive network built by GP flakes that played the dominant role in deciding triboelectrification electrostatic potential of composites under various PV‐values. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1369–1377, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers