Frictional heat in polymer tribological materials: Generation, characterization, degradation and regulation

Abstract Polymer composites are widely used in tribological systems owing to their low density, self-lubricating capability, and corrosion resistance. However, their intrinsically low thermal conductivity promotes frictional heat accumulation at the sliding interface, making frictional heat a critical factor influencing interfacial evolution, tribological performance, and service reliability. Rather than focusing solely on frictional heat as a temperature rise, this review considers the role in the evolution of friction interfaces. The discussion covers heat generation mechanisms, analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches for temperature evaluation, thermally induced material and interfacial changes, and degradation caused by excessive heat accumulation. Thermal management strategies are summarized in terms of intrinsic thermal stability, friction reduction, heat dissipation, and interfacial regulation. Remaining challenges in quantitative heat source identification, criteria for beneficial and detrimental thermal effects, and engineering translation are also discussed to support thermal management and material design.