Elastomeric composites based on propylene oxide rubber and ultrafine polytetrafluoroethylene for operation in cold climates

Abstract In this chapter the possibilities of modifying rubbers of various chemical structures with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) considered in order to improve their operational properties. By adding traditional and ultrafine polytetrafluoroethylene (UPTFE) into rubbers based on propylene oxide rubber (a unique frost resistance elastomer) frost-resistant composite materials with high tribotechnical characteristics and resistance in hydrocarbon environments were developed. The effectiveness of replacing PTFE with “Forum” UPTFE to achieve the high tribotechnical properties of materials was shown. To obtain the same level of properties, it was sufficient to use 1 phr of UPTFE versus 20 phr of PTFE. An additive was obtained by mechanochemical synthesis in AGO-2 planetary mill based on natural zeolites and a plasticizer. The additive allowed controlling the level of interfacial interaction in fluoropolymer/rubber mixtures, their phase morphology and properties. Elastomeric composites based on propylene oxide rubber with a high filling degree (more than 10 phr) of UPTFE were studied. It was shown that with an increase of the fluoropolymer component content, the values of the physical and mechanical properties and frost resistance coefficient decrease. At the same time, the values of oil resistance were improved up to 50% as well as “surface” properties of materials: lower friction coefficient and improved wear resistance by 21%. As shown by tribological testing of elastomeric composite containing 50 phr UPTFE, the elastomeric composites operate stably under wear conditions in a wide range of loads and sliding speeds at –25°C.