New approach to study tribological properties of polymer materials. A case of car windshield wipers

Purpose: Existing approach to tribology of polymer materials does not take into account their composition and structure. This paper presents the original analysis of friction characteristics, enabling an insight from the material engineering point of view. Design/methodology/approach: Apart friction also dissipation energy spectra have been analyzed. For transformation of friction fluctuations from the force into the frequency domain the FFT methodology has been applied. Parameters for evaluation of friction and wear have been proposed. Results of bench tests have been verified by examinations of wiper blades under conditions simulating real exploitation, adapting a system of car window cleaning. Power consumption by a driving engine has been monitored. Findings: Various kinds of modifications, influencing composition and structure of polymer materials have been studied. Ageing and wear resistance have been found to be the most important from the point of view of working properties of blades. They influence the efficiency of water removal from a car window. Research limitations/implications: Different blade designs have to be checked working under various conditions. Practical implications: A correlation between tribological properties and structure of polymer materials has to be taken into account at the stage of their compounding and processing. The proposed method for testing car windshield wiper blades is more appropriate than standards used so far, enabling quantitative assessment of products. Originality/value: The paper helps to understand materials engineering aspects of tribology. It is of potential value for producers of polymer parts.