Abstract
The frictional properties of nylon can be improved by the impregnation of lubricants like wax, oil or graphite. The inclusion of these lubricants, on the other hand, decreases the mechanical properties of nylon, such as tensile strength, hardness and impact strength. As an attempt to maximize frictional properties, while minimizing a decrease in the mechanical properties, various kinds of nylon containing 3 wt% wax and varying contents of oil or graphite were prepared. It was found that the synergy effects to improve both friction and anti-wear properties is evidenced by impregnating a combination of wax/oil or wax/graphite. The wear rate of a nylon containing 3 wt% of wax and 1.5 wt% of oil turned out to be 1/4 of that of nylon impregnated with 8 wt% wax or 8 wt% oil. The latter showed the lowest wear rate among the nylons prepared with a single lubricant. In addition, the friction coefficient of the developed nylon was found to be very similar to the nylon with 8 wt% wax only.