Effect and performance analysis of different surface treatments on polymer-metal friction pairs

The reliability of machinery can be directly impacted by severe wear and failure of joint bearings, particularly under harsh operating conditions or after prolonged use. The study aimed to investigate the impact of various surface treatments on the properties of materials using a disc-disc contact friction machine to simulate working conditions similar to those experienced by joint bearings. The application of chrome plating resulted in a significant enhancement in performance, leading to a 20% reduction in the coefficient of friction and an 80% decrease in the wear rate to 0.071 and 1×10-5 mm3/(N·m), respectively, at 30 MPa and 42 mm/s. Additionally, it increased the bonding of the transfer film base by 20% compared to untreated specimens, as indicated by nano-scratch tests. On the one hand, the elevated hardness of the chrome-plated coating facilitates uniform load distribution, while on the other hand, the presence of microcracks on the surface aids in retaining a greater amount of abrasive debris and in the formation of a more effective transfer film. Consequently, this diminishes the wear of the polymer material. This discovery has the potential to influence the improvement of surface treatment procedures and the selection of materials for the advancement of engineering practices.