The present work discusses the influence of magnetic field on the friction and wear of polyethylene as bearing materials scratched by steel insert in the presence of different oil. Tests were carried out at oil lubricated surfaces. Paraffin, Fenugreek, Camphor, Cress, Olive, Almonds, Sesame, Aniseed and Habet El-Baraka oils were used as lubricants. The friction coefficient and wear of the tested composites were investigated using a tribometer designed and manufactured for that purpose.
It was found that, at no magnetic field, friction coefficient increased with increasing applied load. The maximum value of friction coefficient was displayed in the presence of paraffinic oil, while the minimum values were displayed by olive and Habet El Baraka oils. As the magnetic field of 0.2 mG flux intensity was applied on the sliding surface significant friction decrease was observed. The rank of the tested oils as friction reducer was Olive, Camphor, Aniseed, Habet El Baraka, Fenugreek, Cress, Sesame, Almond and Paraffin. Camphor oil was much influenced by the application of the magnetic field. Increasing the flux intensity of magnetic field to 0.3 mG was accompanied by further decrease of friction coefficient.
Wear of the polyethylene lubricated by the tested oil increased with increasing applied load. In the presence of Almonds oil on the sliding surfaces wear displayed the lowest values, while Olive oil displayed the highest wear. Application of the magnetic field significantly decreased wear. The best wear resistance was displayed by Aniseed and Fenugreek oils, while Paraffin and Almonds oils displayed the highest wear values.