Friction and Wear Behaviour of Low-density Polyethylene Matrix Composites with Positive Temperature Coefficient Characteristics

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix conductive composites containing carbon black (CB) were prepared by mold compression. The friction and wear behaviour and the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic of the composites were investigated. The effect of friction induced melting on the friction and wear behaviour of the composites was explored. As the results, the electric conductivity of the composite is highly dependent on temperature; the auxiliary electric conductive agents such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and ekonol have no effect on the PTC characteristic of the composite. A periodical decrease of the friction coefficient has been observed under a relatively high pv value in sliding of the composite pin against AISI1045 steel disc. This is related to the friction induced melting of the LDPE matrix during the sliding process.