Effect of moisture exposure on scratch resistance of PMMA Academic Article

abstract

• Effect of environmental conditioning on scratch performance of polymethylmathacrylate (PMMA) is investigated. Three different grades of PMMA with varying levels of polarity were chosen and their scratch resistance compared in both dry and moist conditions. Linear increasing normal load scratch tests were performed according to ASTM D7027/ISO 19252 standards. Results indicate a drop in scratch resistance with initial exposure to moisture in all three systems. In the two highly polar PMMA systems, the scratch resistance recovers to that of the dry condition after long exposure to moisture. It is proposed that the moisture absorbed initially acts as a plasticizer causing weakening of the surface mechanical integrity. In the case of more polar systems this moisture absorption continues until saturation where water molecules cluster and impart a degree of lubrication and consequently improves scratch resistance. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

authors

• Sue, Hung-Jue

published proceedings

• TRIBOLOGY INTERNATIONAL

author list (cited authors)

• Moghbelli, E., Banyay, R., & Sue, H.

citation count

• 39

complete list of authors

• Moghbelli, Ehsan||Banyay, Reid||Sue, Hung-Jue

publication date

• January 2014

publisher

• Elsevier  Publisher

published in

• Tribology International  Journal

keywords

• Environmental Exposure
• Plasticization
• Scratch Performance
• Water Cluster

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

• 10.1016/j.triboint.2013.08.012

start page

• 46

end page

• 51

volume

• 69

URL

• http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1016%2Fj.triboint.2013.08.012