Tribological and Vibration Characteristics of TPU-based Composite in Sand-containing Water Environment

LAO Jidong; DONG Conglin; ZHENG Zhanmo; YUAN Chengqing; BAI Xiuqin

doi:10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2025.13.007

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Surface Technology ›› 2025, Vol. 54 ›› Issue (13) : 72-84. DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2025.13.007

Friction, Wear and Lubrication

Tribological and Vibration Characteristics of TPU-based Composite in Sand-containing Water Environment

LAO Jidong^1,2, DONG Conglin^1,2*, ZHENG Zhanmo^1,2, YUAN Chengqing², BAI Xiuqin^1,2

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Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the friction and wear mechanisms of tungsten disulfide (WS₂) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) modified thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites under various concentrations of sand-containing water. The research aims to uncover the mapping relationship between the tribological characteristics of the modified TPU composites and the characteristics of their corresponding vibration signals, thereby enhancing our understanding of the relationship between the wear state and key characteristic parameters. To achieve this, the methodology involved preparing the modified TPU composites through a physical blending technique, integrating WS₂ and MWCNTs into the TPU matrix. The wear test was conducted with an RTEC wear test apparatus, which simulated the wear conditions of the modified composites in water containing sand of different concentrations . Specifically, quartz powder with an average particle size of 15 μm was used at varying volume concentrations of 0.0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, and 1.2%. This design can comprehensively examine how different concentrations of sand particles affect the wear behavior of composites. Throughout the experimental process, several critical tribological parameters were measured and analyzed, including the coefficient of friction (COF), wear scar profile, wear rate and surface morphology. Additionally, the vibration signals produced during the friction process were analyzed in both time-domain and frequency-domain. This dual analysis facilitated a deeper understanding of the evolution of these parameters over the course of the wear tests. The study sought to reveal the underlying wear mechanisms of the modified TPU composites under varying sand concentrations and to establish responsive relationships between the wear states and key characteristic parameters. The results indicate that as the concentration of sand particles in the water increases, the degree of wear gradually intensifies, and characteristic parameters such as friction coefficient, wear rate, and vibration signal show a significant upward trend. Compared with pure water lubrication, the average friction coefficient and the volume wear rate of the modified composite increased by 308.8% and 4 020%, respectively, at a sand particle concentration of 1.2%. The various parameters of vibration signal characteristics also increase to varying degrees (with a minimum increase of 137.7%). It is worth noting that there is a highly correlated linear relationship between the wear rate and other characteristic parameters, with a minimum correlation coefficient of 0.879 (wear rate and frequency domain energy value) and a maximum correlation coefficient of 0.997 (wear rate and time-domain effective value), an increase of 13.4%, indicating a significant positive correlation between the wear rate and other characteristic parameters. The conclusions drawn from this study highlight that by monitoring the state information during the friction process and extracting and analyzing the characteristic parameters of both the COF and vibration signals, it becomes feasible to effectively predict the wear rate of the composites. This predictive capability not only allows for accurate assessments of the wear states of materials but also introduces a novel approach to forecasting the wear conditions of friction materials. The findings of this research provide significant insights for the implementation of state monitoring and fault diagnosis in water-lubricated bearings. By utilizing the relationships established between tribological characteristics and vibration signals, engineers can develop more advanced condition-based maintenance strategies. These strategies are essential for enhancing the reliability and performance of systems operating in abrasive environments, ultimately contributing to better maintenance practices and prolonging the operational lifespan of critical components. Thus, this study serves as an important reference for future research and applications in the field of tribology and materials science.

Key words

water-lubricated bearings / sand particle concentration / wear status / tribological property / vibration characteristics / mapping relationship

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LAO Jidong, DONG Conglin, ZHENG Zhanmo, YUAN Chengqing, BAI Xiuqin. Tribological and Vibration Characteristics of TPU-based Composite in Sand-containing Water Environment[J]. Surface Technology. 2025, 54(13): 72-84 https://doi.org/10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2025.13.007

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