Effects of LaF3/CeF3 on the friction transfer of PTFE-based composites

Abstract The friction transfer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites is closely related to their tribological performances. To clarify the effects of LaF3/CeF3 on the friction transfer of PTFE-based composites, the transfer film thickness and coverage were investigated under different loads or speeds. The results show that the addition of LaF3/CeF3 can decrease the transfer film thickness and increase the transfer film coverage to form a thin and uniform transfer film, and the co-filling of LaF3 and CeF3 is better in promoting friction transfer of PTFE-based composites than single addition of LaF3 or CeF3. The correlation between transfer film and tribological properties was also analyzed, which indicates that the friction transfer is beneficial for improving the tribological properties of PTFE composites.