English Abstract

Analysis of Worn Surfaces of Polymeric Materials Tadashi KOMOTO Department of Production Science and Technology, Gunma University, Kiryu, Gunma, Japan Nippon Gomu Kyokaishi,(2007),80(11),422-428 General Review in Japanese Abstract Friction and wear properties of polymeric materials are reviewed with special reference to morphologies analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of carbon replica films obtained from the worn surfaces. Tribological properties of polyethylene as functions of molecular weight and lubricants are related to mechanism for the formation of fine wear powders as revealed by TEM, including mechanism of self-lubrication of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in water. Tribologies of isotactic polypropylene, polyacetal-based polymer alloy and other polymers are also reported based on the carbon replica TEM method. It is concluded that TEM analysis using carbon replica film obtained from the worn polymer surfaces is a powerful method for clarifying polymer wear mechanisms. Keywords: Tribology, Friction, Wear, Polymer, Carbon replica, TEM

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