The Effect of Sliding Motion on Tribological Characteristics of PA6 and Zinc-Borate Reinforced PA6 Composites

The tribological characteristic of pure polyamide (PA6) and 2.5%, 5% zinc borate ($Zn_3BO_6$) filled (by wt) polyamide composites were comparatively evaluated under dry sliding conditions. Wear tests were carried out at room temperature under the loads of 5, 10, and 20 N, and at the sliding speeds of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m/s. The coefficients of friction of the materials were significantly influenced by an increase in zinc borate content. The friction coefficient of the PA6 was getting decreased from 0.420 to 0.188 with an increase in zinc borate content, depending on applied loads and sliding speeds. The results showed that the wear rates of pure PA6 and zinc borate filled polyamides increased with increase in loads. The wear rate of the PA6 decreased from 4.2 × $10^{-6} mm^3$/m to 5.0 × $10^{-7} mm^3$/m with an increase in zinc borate content depending on applied loads.