Structure and tribological behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene modified with layered silicates

The results of physicomechanical, tribological, and structural investigation of polytetrafluoroethylene-based polymers and natural layered silicates are reported. It is shown that the tribological behavior of the composites can be significantly improved by introducing a small amount of activated silicates. The results of structural examination of the composite friction surfaces by scanning-probe microscopy and IR spectroscopy are discussed.