Effect of SiO2on the tribological properties of PTFE sliding against Cu: a molecular dynamics simulation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of SiO 2 on the tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites from an atomic level. Design/methodology/approach Effect of SiO 2 on the tribological properties of PTFE sliding against Cu was studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explore the inherent mechanisms from an atomic level. Findings SiO 2 had a higher interaction energy with PTFE than copper, which contributed to an increase of interfacial temperature and velocity with severe adhesive wear on the PTFE molecules. Originality/value This study reveals the mechanism of SiO 2 on the friction and wear behavior of PTFE by MD simulation.