Tribological Properties of PTFE and PTFE Composites at Different Temperatures

The friction and wear properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and its composites with fillers such as bronze, glass fiber, carbon fiber, carbon, graphite, and polymer were studied at ambient temperature and high temperature. The wear resistance and hardness were enhanced by the fillers. Results showed that the wear resistance of all composites was much higher than that of pure PTFE. Pure PTFE has the lowest friction coefficient at ambient temperature (temperature: 23 ± 2°C, humidity: 50 ± 10%) but highest friction coefficient at high temperature (above 100°C). The PTFE composite filled with bronze showed the best wear resistance at ambient temperature but the poorest wear resistance at high temperature. The carbon-graphite- or polymer-filled PTFE composite showed a lower friction coefficient and moderate wear resistance at both ambient and high temperature.