Friction and Wear Behavior of POM Composites Filled with LDPE and Wood Fibers

Polyoxymethylene (POM) composites filled with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and wood fibers were prepared by injection-molding. Friction and wear tests were carried out in a reciprocating sliding tribotester. Results showed that 5wt.%LDPE acted effectively as the internal lubricant for POM. Further addition of the wood fiber increased the wear rate of the POM/LDPE composites but had little effect on the coefficient of coefficient in the presence of LDPE. SEM observations showed that the main wear mechanism for unfilled POM was adhesive wear, while in the case of POM composites abrasion and fatigue seemed to govern the wear process. It was suggested that, the POM/LDPE/Wood fiber composite, which is low-cost and environmentally friendly, has the potential for tribological applications.