INVESTIGATION OF THE TRIBOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF POLYMER MATERIALS (PLA, PLA+COPPER, AND ABS) UNDER LUBRICATED AND DRY SLIDING CONDITIONS

Abstract

This research paper presents the determination of tribological characteristics of polymer materials (PLA, PLA with copper, and ABS). The experimental procedure included measurements of surface roughness, coefficient of friction, and wear track width. The test specimens were fabricated using 3D printing, and wear tests were conducted using a TPD-93 block-on-disc tribometer. Each sample was subjected to three dry friction and wear tests and one lubricated test to observe differences under varying operating conditions, as well as the influence of lubrication on friction and wear processes, which are key performance indicators. The input parameters of the experiment were as follows: disc material – 50CrMo4 steel, disc radius – r = 35 mm, normal load – FN = 4 daN, sliding speed – v = 0.5 m/s, duration – t = 400 s, and total sliding distance – s = 200 m. To facilitate interpretation, the obtained results are presented graphically.