Dry Friction and Wear Properties of PTFE Composite Filled with Carbon Nano Tubes

Effects of carbon nano tubes(CNTs) on friction and wear properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) wear investigated using an MM-200 wear tester. Mechanical performances of PTFE composites were measured. Experimental results showed that CNTs could reduce wear and increase friction coefficient of PTFE. Furthermore, it could also increase hardness and impact intensity of PTFE. When content of CNTs is 7% in weight, mechanics performance of PTFE composite is optimal and when content is 10% in weight, the wear performance of PTFE composite is optimal. Worn surfaces of CNTs-filled PTFE composites and the shapes of the transfer film and worn debris were observed using a scanning electron microscope and an optical microscope. The reasons the wear of PTFE is decreased are probably that fibers in CNTs resisted severe mangle of PTFE strip structure, and that films transferred from counterpart surface prevented direct contact between PTFE composite and steel ring.