Influence of Temperature on Scratch and Wear Properties of Technical Thermoplastics: Implications for Material Selection

Technical thermoplastics offer beneficial properties, such as high strength‐to‐weight ratio, chemical resistance, and durability, that make them valuable in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics, and in applications such as medical devices. Some technical thermoplastics also offer superior tribological properties, although these are sensitive to ambient temperature. This study investigates the scratch and wear properties of aliphatic polyketone (APK), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polycarbonate (PC) at three different ambient temperatures and discusses them in the context of their dynamic mechanical properties with an aim to expand their scope of application, durability, and lifespan in applications with temperature differences. Tension, compression, shear, and hardness properties of the three materials across test temperatures follow the dynamic mechanical stiffness behavior. APK and PBT's scratch performance deteriorate with temperature, whereas PC's performance improves for an asymmetric indenter. The wear performance of APK is unaffected by ambient temperature despite the reductions in tensile, compressive, and shear strengths at elevated temperatures. This research provides crucial insights for optimizing the selection and design of thermoplastics for improved performance and sustainability in tribological applications. This proof of concept is a step toward developing novel green tribological technologies by making tribomaterials sustainable by ecodesign.