Recent Advances in High Performance Polymers—Tribological Aspects

Abstract

High-performance polymer (HPP)-based engineering materials in tribological applications have been under continuous research over the last few decades. This paper reviewed the recent studies on the sliding wear properties of HPPs and their nanocomposites, which are associated with the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. In particular, the effects of the intrinsic properties of polymer composites (e.g., mechanical properties of the materials and the types of fillers) and external environmental conditions (e.g., service temperature and lubrication medium) on the formation of transfer layers (TLs) were discussed. The latter would govern the overall friction and wear of polymeric materials in sliding against metallic counterparts. In addition, correlations between the basic mechanical properties of HPPs and their sliding wear behavior were also explored.