Abstract
The fretting wear properties of copper, SUS316L steel, epoxy and polyimide were examined at room temperature (293 K) and with liquid nitrogen (77 K) . Fretting conditions were a frequency of 8.3 Hz, a peak-to-peak slip amplitude of 100 μm, normal loads of 4, 10 and 20 N, and 5×104 fretting cycles. The frictional properties against the fretting cycles were qualitatively independent of temperature for like-metal combinations. Temperature dependence was observed for metal and polymer combinations, that is, coefficients of friction increased after certain cycles at 293 K and were maintained constant at 77 K. Mean coefficients of friction at 77 K were higher than those at 293 K for like-metal combinations, while they were lower than those at 293 K for polymers against metals. Wear volumes at 77 K were less than those at 293 K for all combinations. These properties were affected by the change in mechanical properties of materials, the change in the oxidational process and the cooling effect by liquid nitrogen.
