Enhancement of the Water-Lubricated Tribological Properties of Hybrid PTFE/Nomex Fabric Laminate Composite via Epoxy Resin and Graphite Filler

Abstract

This paper studied a hybrid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/Nomex fabric composite with lower friction coefficient (COF) and high underwater wear resistance. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to test tribological properties under different applied loads and rotation speeds. The wear surface, transfer film and cross-section were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope. The results showed enhanced underwater tribological properties because of excellent self-lubricating properties of PTFE fibers and a good lubricating effect and load-carrying capacity of graphite fillers. Improved underwater mechanical strength was connected to the high strength of epoxy resin and high bonding force between Nomex and epoxy resin.

Enhancement of Underwater Tribological Behavior of Hybrid Fabric Composites Using Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene and Different Fillers

“…After that, the UHMWPE composites were taken out and processed into test samples of 6 mm × 7 mm × 30 mm. The production process of the hybrid fabric/phenolic resin composites was described in detail in the references. − …”

Effect of nano-serpentine and nano-La2O3 on the frictional properties of PTFE composites in seawater environment

“…Several research investigations have been conducted to understand the tribological behavior of PTFE composites. Liu et al (2021) studied a hybrid PTFE/Nomex fabric composite with lower COF and high underwater wear resistance. The results showed enhanced underwater tribological properties because of excellent self-lubricating properties of PTFE fibers and a good lubricating effect and load-carrying capacity of graphite fillers.…”

Study on microstructure and tribological properties of hierarchical 3D braid applicable in heavy operating tribology conditions

“…Both composites have lower water lubrication friction coefficients than dry sliding 14 . At the end of the study, Ying Liu et al came to the conclusion that epoxy resin can be used to improve the underwater tribological and mechanical properties of PTFE/Nomex composites 15,16 …”

“…14 At the end of the study, Ying Liu et al came to the conclusion that epoxy resin can be used to improve the underwater tribological and mechanical properties of PTFE/Nomex composites. 15,16 While maintaining structural endurance, braid structures can help improve tribological properties. It was discovered through previous research that a two-dimensional braid made of glass/PTFE fiber had outstanding frictional and wear properties.…”