Tribology of Polymers, Polymer Composites, and Polymer Nanocomposites

Book excerpt: Tribology of Polymers, Polymer Composites, and Polymer Nanocomposites combines fundamental knowledge with the latest findings in the area of polymer tribology. From testing of property-related mechanisms to prediction of wear using artificial neural networks, the book explores all relevant polymer types, including elastomers, epoxy-based, nylon, and more while also discussing their different types of reinforcement, such as particulates, short fibers, natural fibers, and beyond. New developments in sustainable materials, environmental effects, nanoscaled fillers, and self-lubrication are each discussed, as are applications of these materials, guidelines for when to use certain polymer systems, and functional groups of polymers. Experimental methods and modeling and prediction techniques are also outlined. The tribology of graphene-based, biodegradable, hybrid nanofiller/polymer nanocomposites and other types of polymers is discussed at length. - Synthesizes the latest cutting-edge research in the tribological behaviors and applications of polymeric materials - Covers all relevant polymer types and concepts, including elastomers and natural fibers, different types of reinforcement materials, sustainable materials, interfacial modifiers and the environmental effects of self-lubrication - Outlines modeling techniques and how filler-matrix pairings and other approaches can control wear mechanisms