Characteristics of wood–polymer composite for journal bearing materials

Abstract Wood is widely used as a construction material, automotive parts, and equipment for leisure-time amusement; however, its application on the journal bearing was restricted, because of its low strength and poor tribological characteristics. In this work, paulownia wood which has low density and high porosity was impregnated with polyethylene glycol (PEG), lubricant oil (SAE 30), release agent and epoxy to improve the mechanical properties and tribological characteristics. The ultrasonic vibration was given to the wood immersed in the acetone tub to remove debris generated during the cutting process of wood and to dissolve the membrane of lignin in the wood. From the test results, it was found that the PEG was the promising material to improve the physical properties of wood for journal bearings.