Friction and wear behaviour of low-density polyethylene matrix composites with positive temperature coefficient characteristics

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix conductive composites containing carbon black (CB) were prepared by mold compression. The effect of friction-induced melting on the friction and wear behaviour of the composites was explored. As the results, the electric conductivity of the composite is highly dependent on temperature; the auxiliary electric conductive agents such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and ekonol have no effect on the PTC characteristic of the composite. A periodical decrease of the friction coefficient has been observed under a relatively high pv value in sliding of the composite pin against AISI1045 steel disc. This is related to the friction-induced melting of the LDPE matrix during the sliding process.