The Effect of Intrinsic Mechanical Properties on Reducing the Friction-Induced Ripples of Hard-Filler-Modified HDPE

Ripple deformations induced by friction on polymeric materials have negative effects on the entire stability of operating machineries. These deformations are formed as a response to contacting mechanics, caused by the intrinsic mechanical properties. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) with varying silicon nitride (Si(3)N(4)) contents is used to investigate different ripple deformation responses by conducting single-asperity scratch tests. The relationship between the intrinsic mechanical properties and the ripple deformations caused by filler modifications is analyzed in this paper. The results show the coupling of the inherent mechanical properties, and the stick-slip motion of HDPE creates ripple deformations during scratching. The addition of the Si(3)N(4) filler changes the frictional response; the filler weakens the ripples and almost smoothens the scratch, particularly at 4 wt.%, but the continued increase in the Si(3)N(4) content produces noticeable ripples and fluctuations. These notable differences can be attributed to the yield and post-yield responses; the high yield stress and strain-hardening at 4 wt.% provide good friction resistance and stress distribution, thus a smooth scratch is observed. In contrast, increasing the filler content weakens both the yield and post-yield responses, leading to deformation. The results herein reveal the mechanism behind the initial ripple deformation, thus providing fundamental insights into universally derived friction-induced ripples.