Friction and Lubrication of Synthetic Fibers

Abstract

Recent developments in high-speed spinning technology require heat-stable spin finishes, which impede melting of the fibers at high temperatures. Therefore, studies of the temperature-dependence of friction of heat-stable lubricants are of vital importance. In our laboratory this is being studied at the fiber/metal interface over a wide temperature range from 30° to 220°C with a heated pin, with the objective of simulating plant conditions. This article describes the effects of heat-stable lubricants, guide-surface roughness, pre-tension, and guide diameter on the temperature-dependence of friction. Since the results of the two-component model finish system investigated follow a consistent pattern for five fiber materials, differences in the magnitude of friction are attributed to differences in the temperature-dependerice of friction among the five clean fiber materials. It is concluded that the effect of the finish and of the fiber material are additive.