Abstract
In order to clarify the effect of surface profile on friction characteristics of viscoelastic material such as oil seal, sliding test was conducted under oil lubrication with the NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) in combination with steel. The sliding surface profiles with different feature in the steel specimens were introduced by polish process and blast process. The NBR specimens with different surface feature were also employed. Under a rather low load condition, steel specimens with plateau surface showed the lower friction coefficient. Similar effect was provided by the NBR specimens with rough profile and dimples. The reduction of contact area and pocket effect could lead to the lower friction coefficient. On the other hand under a rather high load condition, where the deformation of NBR specimen was rather large, the effect of surface profile on friction coefficient was little.
