Experimental Investigation of the Performance of SBR and RSS Materials as a Sliding Bearing Element

Conventional bearing systems and materials, which are important components of machine elements, have often failed to fulfil requirements, especially in places where sealing is required. In such cases, sliding bearings with PTFE- and NBR-based polymer and elastomer materials operating in water or oil are preferred. In this study, the performance of two alternative rubber-based materials, synthetic styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and natural rubber smoked sheet (RSS), as a sliding bearing was experimentally investigated in terms of frictional resistance using pin-on-disc and pin-on-cylinder devices. In the study, very low friction forces emerged at low sliding speeds compared to PTFE and NR operating in water. The friction force values and friction coefficients obtained are presented in diagrams and tables.