Lubrication of Polymers

Abstract

Previous work on the lubrication of polymers is reviewed and the explanations which have been advanced are examined and are shown to be inadequate. An alternative mechanism of polymerlubrication is proposed which is based on the hypothesis that when a lubricant is applied to a polymer it is possible for the lubricant molecules to penetrate the polymer and alter its mechanical properties. An investigation into the lubrication behavior of textile polymers is described and an explanation of the results of this and other investigations is offered in terms of the proposed mechanism.