Life cycle wear mechanism of GF/PTFE self-lubricating composite

Abstract

The glass fiber fabric reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (GF/PTFE) self-lubricating composite was investigated by using a high frequency and high load oscillating friction and wear tester MYB-500 to carry on a whole life wear test. The self-lubricating performance and damage characteristics were studied, and the wear debris and wear surface were analyzed by microscopic detection method to discuss the key factors affecting the self-lubricating stability and service life of material. Results show that the life cycle of GF/PTFE self-lubricating composite exhibits an obvious stage characteristics, and can be divided into three stages, including running-in, stable stage and failure stage based on the change of friction coefficient and wear depth. Real-time monitoring of friction coefficient and friction temperature can effectively reflect the self-lubricating performance and life stage of the material. The change of wear depth and wear surface analysis show that the wear exhibits notable non-uniformity. According to wear mechanism, the inhomogeneity of the initial thickness of the material has a significant influence on the inconsistency of the damage during the wear process as well as its life. Therefore, by improving the curing process, the stable stage in life cycle can be prolonged and the service life of the material can also be increased.

Keywords

• self-lubricating
• friction coefficient
• wear
• polytetrafluoroethylene