ABSTRACT
Environmental consciousness today stimulates the researchers worldwide on the studies of recycling polymer wastes to be applied as reinforcement in polymer composites. In this study, polymer composites were prepared by filling thermosetting matrix (polyester) with different types and contents of thermoplastic recycled polymers. Paraffin oil as lubricant was added to the composites before molding. The recycled thermoplastic polymers were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Pin-on-Disc wear testing machine was designed and fabricated to determine friction and wear.  
 
It was found that composites filled with oil showed relatively low friction coefficient and wear. The addition of recycled thermoplastics to polyester matrix had a significant effect on the tribological properties of the composites. It was observed that filler content greatly affected the friction and wear behavior of polyester resins polymer under dry sliding conditions. Polyester composites filled by 2.0 wt. % PTFE displayed the lowest values of friction coefficient, while composites containing 5.0 wt. % PTEF showed the lowest wear. Based on that, it is recommended to apply test specimens filled by 4.0 wt. % oil and 5.0 wt. % PTFE in bearing applications.