Preparation and tribological properties of hybrid PTFE/Kevlar fabric self-lubricating composites

Abstract The tribological properties of hybrid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/aramid fibers 1414 (Kevlar) fabric self-lubricating composite under different conditions was studied. To improve tribological properties and the bonding performance of PTFE, the hybrid Kevlar/PTFE fabrics were treated by sodium-naphthalene complex liquid. PTFE/Kevlar fabric composite was prepared by phenolic-epoxy (6:4) resin. Tribological properties of the composite, friction coefficient and wear amount, were analyzed using varying loads and speeds on a friction and wear testing machine. Worn surface morphology and transfer film were observed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the coefficient of friction decreased with the decrease of load and the increase of rotating speed. In addition, the composites with higher PTFE content showed better lubricating behavior. The friction coefficient of the composites reinforced by modified fabrics were more stable and the PTFE transfer film remains more complete.