Friction and Wear Behavior of Irradiated Polymers ; A Review

A brief review of the friction and wear behavior of irradiated polymers is presented in this paper. Irradiation methods are reviewed with an emphasis on their effects upon the molecular structure and mechanical properties of polymers. Friction and wear behavior of the irradiated polymers are carefully examined for different wear conditions and various irradiation doses. Changes in friction and wear mechanisms after the irradiation are discussed based on the information available. Finite element contact stress analysis of an elastic subsurface with or without a thin heterogeneous surface layer is reviewed to explain the wear behavior of irradiated polymers. Future studies on contact stress analyses of an elastic-plastic subsurface are suggested for better explanation of the changes in wear mechanism of irradiated polymers.