Effect of homologous molecular crosslinking on the tribological properties of PTFE composites

Abstract A method of improving the tribological properties of hexagonal boron nitride/short carbon fibers/polytetrafluoroethylene (h‐BN/SCFs/PTFE) composites by adding homologous micropowder (MP1100) with polar groups is proposed in this study. Composites of h‐BN/SCFs/PTFE with MP1100 at 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 wt% were prepared. The pin‐on‐disc device was used to evaluate the friction properties of composites, and wear mechanisms against duplex stainless steel was examined. The experimental results show that MP1100 micropowder improves composite mechanical properties, friction coefficient, and wear resistance of composites. A 78.4% drop in wear rate was measured for 24 wt% MP1100. Such decrease in wear rate is explained based on changes in composite molecular structure, a transfer film formed by the absorption of debris, and the formation of chemically reacted polar group compounds on the steel disc.