Investigation of Tribological Properties of PI/FEP Laminated Composites Under Dry Sliding, Water- and Oil-Lubricated Conditions

Polyimide/fluorinated ethylene propylene (PI/FEP) laminated composites were fabricated by means of hot-press molding. The friction and wear behavior of high performance PI/FEP laminated composites has been comparatively evaluated under dry sliding, water- and oil-lubricated conditions. The worn surface morphologies of samples under different lubrication conditions were examined by scanning electron microscope and the wear mechanisms were comparatively discussed. As the results, PI/FEP laminated composites sliding against stainless steel under water lubrication registered lower friction coefficients, but higher wear rates than those under dry sliding. The friction coefficients and wear rates of samples under liquid paraffin-lubricated condition were lowest in three sliding conditions. The lateral surface of samples exhibited better wear resistance than parallel surface did under dry sliding.