AbstractThe static coefficients of friction of solid polyolefins against metal surfaces has been determined as functions of pressure, temperature, and metal surface finish. The polymers studied were a low debsity (branched) polyethylene, a high density copolymer, and a high density (linear) polyethylene homocopolymer, and a high density (linear) polyethylene homopolymer. Four metal surfaces were used, with surface roughnesses ranging from 1 1/2 to 18 microinches. The pressure and temperature ranges were 0 to 355 psig and 72 to 225°F, respectively. Data were obtained for the polymers in two forms: granules and flat smooth dise, except for the high density homopolymer which was tested in the disc from only. In general, the results indicated that, for all granules, the coefficient was essentially independent of pressure, but decreased with increasing temperature until the melting point was reached; it varied with metal surface roughness which was greatest for the low density polymer. For the smooth surfaced disc samples, the coefficient also decreased with increasing pressure with high values at low pressure indicating strong adhesion between the polymer and metal surfaces.