Wear and friction of aramid fibre and PTFE filled composites

Abstract

The most widespread reinforcements and lubricants used for wear applications include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, glass fibre, carbon fibre and aramid fibre. Of these, PTFE and aramid fibre play a key role in the production and performance of a huge variety of seal components. This article describes work undertaken at LNP Engineering Plastics to optimise the aramid fibre loadings in systems with and without PTFE. Mechanical properties, tribological performance and cost were all considered, and in addition the transfer film formed when these composites are wearing was examined.