A Model for Polymer Composite Wear Behavior Including Preferential Load Support and Surface Accumulation of Filler Particulates

A rule-of-mixtures model is developed for the time-dependent wear and friction behavior of polymer matrix materials containing particulate filler inclusions, based upon the specific wear rates of filler and matrix materials. The model accounts for the accumulation of wear-resistant filler particles within the near-surface region of the composite as sliding proceeds. Account is also made for preferential support of the normal load by filler particles at the sliding surface. Though particle/matrix interfacial shear stress and particle aspect ratio do affect initial transient behavior, wear rate, and friction are independent of preferential load support under steady-state conditions. The model indicates that steady-state composite wear rate can be most affected by the specific wear resistance of the filler particles, as well as the volume fraction filling of particles into the polymer matrix.