Influence of carbon fibers and composite technologies on the properties of PCM based on polytetrafluoroethylene

This paper presents the results of studies on the development of various technological methods for producing composites based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and UVIS-AK-P carbon fibers. The methods consist in the physical and ultrasonic actions on the components of polymer composites. The dependence of the physicomechanical and tribotechnical properties on the production technology of polymer composite materials (PCM) based on PTFE and carbon fibers of the UVIS-AK-P brand is investigated. Two technological methods were applied in the present work to improve the distribution of discrete carbon fibers in the polymer matrix: ultrasonic treatment of the powder composition in a dry medium and the technology of introducing the filler into the polymer matrix through a polymer concentrate with carbon fibers (CF). Herewith, the influence of the filler content in the concentrate on the properties of polymer composites is considered. To increase the adhesive interaction of the polymer with filler, the technology of joint activation of the components was used at the stage of obtaining the concentrate. Afterward, the resulting mixture was mixed with a portion of the polymer to the required concentration of the filler. The positive effect of the technology of joint mechanical activation of components on the properties of PCM based on PTFE and UVIS-AK-P carbon fibers has been established. It has been revealed that the composite with a carbon fiber content of 5 wt % obtained using combined mechanical activation of a polymer with CF at a rotational speed of planetary mill drums of 400 rpm with a weight ratio of 50% concentrate and 50% PTFE has optimal properties. The deformation and strength characteristics of this composite is at the level of the initial polymer, and the wear resistance is higher by a factor of 2020 compared with PTFE and 5 compared with a composite obtained by a simple mixed concentration with a polymer.