EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL INVESTIGATION OF THE TRIBOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF ZEOLITE-FILLED POLYAMIDE-6 COMPOSITES: A PREDICTIVE MODELING APPROACH

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to systematically investigate the tribological behavior of natural zeolite-filled Polyamide-6 (PA6) composites, focusing on the influence of zeolite content on mechanical properties and wear performance. The objective is to identify the optimal filler loading for enhanced wear resistance in tribological applications. Study Design/Methodology/Approach: PA6 composites were prepared with varying zeolite content (0-60 wt%). The materials were characterized for thermal conductivity, hardness, and tensile properties. Tribological tests, including dry sliding wear tests using a pin-on-disc tribometer, were conducted to evaluate the coefficient of friction and wear rates. Morphological evaluations were performed through optical microscopy to assess filler dispersion and interfacial bonding. Findings: The results indicated a monotonic increase in Shore D hardness with zeolite loading, reaching 95.5 at 60 wt%. However, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) peaked at 40 wt% (65.7 MPa) and decreased sharply at higher loadings due to particle agglomeration and stress concentration. Tribological tests revealed a transition from adhesive to abrasive wear mechanisms as filler content increased, with the coefficient of friction peaking at 50 wt% (0.41 ± 0.02) and specific wear rates escalating dramatically (up to 2000% enhancement). The optimal performance window for tribological applications was identified between 20-40 wt% zeolite, balancing mechanical integrity and wear resistance. Originality/Value: This study provides critical insights into the structure-property relationships of zeolite-filled PA6 composites, highlighting the trade-offs between mechanical properties and tribological performance. The findings establish guidelines for the design of polymer composites for industrial applications, emphasizing the necessity of optimizing filler content to avoid performance degradation while enhancing wear resistance. Keywords: Tribological behavior, Natural zeolite, Polyamide-6 (PA6) composites, Wear resistance, Dry sliding wear tests, Coefficient of friction.