INVESTIGATION OF THE HARDNESS OF POLYMER ANTIFRICTION MATERIALS AND BABBITTS AT ELEVATED OPERATING TEMPERATURES

The article presents the results of hardness studies using the Brinell and Shore methods for commonly used domestic B83 and B16 babbitt alloys (GOST 1320–74, ISO 4383–91), as well as an alloy analogue of TEGOSTAR 738 grade, and modern industrial polymeric anti-friction composite materials. The studies were conducted according to GOST-regulated methodologies at elevated temperatures (from 80 to 180 C), exceeding the standard operational temperature range, with the aim of evaluating the influence of temperature on the hardness of the materials. Factors limiting the maximum operating temperature of sliding bearings based on the studied materials were identified. An empirical formula is proposed to establish a correlation between Shore D hardness and Brinell hardness for babbitt alloys and a polymer composite based on polyetheretherketone. The obtained data allow assessing of the hardness of the investigated materials under thermal load and can be used by designers and engineering personnel for the informed selection of bearing materials considering operating conditions, service life, and reliability of friction units.