Over the last decade, several research groups have explored an intriguing set of materials based on Teflon® PTFE 7C (a granular molding resin) and certain alumina “nanoparticles.” These materials are exceptional because small amounts of alumina additive (often less than 5 wt.%) improve the wear performance of the PTFE composite by over four orders of magnitude. It is believed that the “nano” sized alumina somehow shuts down the flaky wear mechanism of the PTFE, and stabilizes the formation of a persistent transfer film.<br/> <br/>We have now elucidated the chemical mechanism behind the mechanochemistry which allows generation of a robust thin transfer film on the metal surface, and running film on the polymer surface. This talk will describe this unique chemistry, the role it plays during fluoropolymer sliding wear against a metal countersurface, as well as the critical importance of the filler size, shape, friability and surface chemistry.

Ultralow wear fluoropolymer composites: Nanoscale functionality from microscale fillers

251st National Meeting (2016)

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