Effect of nano-serpentine and nano-La2O3 on the frictional properties of PTFE composites in seawater environment

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites modified by nano-serpentine and nano-lanthanum oxide in a seawater environment. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, seven PTFE composites were prepared by unified design method and vacuum thermoforming method, and their hardness, water absorption and tribological properties were measured under seawater environment. The modification effects and thermal stability of the materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. This paper analyzed the wear mechanism of PTFE composites by scanning electron microscopy and energy spectroscopy. Findings The results showed that the hardness of the PTFE composites were all improved, but the water absorption was increased with the increase of additives. The modification of nano-serpentine was successful and the thermal stability of PTFE composites was better. The lowest coefficient and minimum wear rate are 0.0267 and 8.67 × 10 −5 · mm 3 · (N · m) −1 respectively, which is 34.9% and 76% less than the pure PTFE. Originality/value The analysis showed that the wear mechanism of PTFE composites was abrasive wear and a small amount of adhesive wear, and when the additive content was appropriate, it easily formed a transfer film on the surface mating parts.