Frictional Losses of Polyamides Mounted on Tensioning Guides in Contact with Chains

The development of polyamides has increased in recent years due to scientific research and the aim of the industry to find materials characterized by good frictional behavior at high temperatures, high loads and high speeds. The wide areas of application of polyamides in the mechanical contacts with relative motions offered new development opportunities for polyamides (PA), such as PA66, PA46 and PTFE mixed PA46. One of the applications of these polyamides in mechanical contacts with relative motions is the contact between the timing chains and the active part of the tensioning guides. For a comparison with a previous study of friction of PA66, PA46 and PTFE mixed PA46, performed on a pin-on-disk tribometer, this study is based on performing tests on the same materials, on the tensioning guide of a silent chain used as a timing chain in combustion engines, with lubricating conditions much closer to the application field. The diagrams comparatively present the variation of the percentage of frictional losses for PTFE mixed PA46, PA46 and PA66 polyamides mounted on tensioning guides in contact with chains. The results clearly show that the PTFE mixed PA46 polyamide has smaller frictional losses than the PA46 and the PA66 polyamides, but the influence of speed and tensioning is also important. A comparison with the previous study is also useful for making a decision on using a polyamide for the guide of a timing chain.