Influence of PAO@PSF microcapsules on the tribological properties of polyvinylidene fluoride matrix recovered from waste membranes

Abstract

Abstract In the study, the waste polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were recovered and the micropowders of this polymer were obtained by solvent recovery method. Moreover, the new direction for applying waste PVDF membranes to the field of tribology were developed. Thus, a novel PVDF-based tribological composite (PAO@PSF/PVDF) was fabricated with recycled PVDF micropowders acted as the matrix polymer and PAO@PSF microcapsules with the configuration of polysulfone (PSF) capsuling lubricant oil (PAO) served as the filler. The self-lubricating and wear properties of PAO@PSF/PVDF composite were tested under dry sliding condition using a ball-on-disc configuration. In particular, this kind of composite with the inclusion of 20 wt% PAO@PSF microcapsules exhibited the best tribological properties, i.e., the lowest friction coefficient (0.077) and the smallest wear rate (2.34×10-15 m3/Nm). The filling of PAO@PSF microcapsules greatly improved the antifriction and wear resistance of PVDF, guaranteeing the self-lubricating feature of this polymer. The tribological properties of PAO@PSF/PVDF composite can reach close to those under the condition of dripping lubricating oil, and the prepared PAO@PSF/PVDF self-lubricating composite can be applied to a large range of friction conditions. Furthermore, without any doubt, it will facilitate the reutilization of waste polymers.