Two-dimensional clay nanosheet-reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene composites and their mechanical/tribological studies

Abstract Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer is used extensively in industry as a solid lubricant because of its lack reactivity with most industrial materials. However, PTFE has low abrasive resistance, limiting application. In this study, the mechanical and tribological characteristics PTFE-based composites addition clay nano-sheets (CNSs) were investigated. Clay nano-sheet-PTFE (CNSTCs) containing 1, 3, 5 wt. % CNSs prepared by employing compression moulding method. To investigate wear mechanism CNSTCs, pin-on-ring test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical (OM) employed. The results indicate that adding decreased friction coefficient substantially. Additionally, rates from 1.09 × 10−3 mm3/(Nm) pure sample to 0.32 10-5 for filled composite. This shows rate composite reduced up 340 times CNSs. SEM OM observations revealed could inhibit growth microcracks CNSTCs change adhesive abrasive. Furthermore, resulted more uniform thinner transition film formation, secondary friction. effects size, percentage, type embedded fillers compared previous studies. analysis competitive cost high availability, have superior can be employed enhance properties nanocomposites.