Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Polytetrafluoroethylene Composites Modified by Carbon Fibers and Zeolite

Abstract

Currently, lightweight and high-strength polymer composites can provide weight savings in the automotive and process equipment industries by replacing metal parts. Polytetrafluoroethylene and polymer composites based on it are used in various tribological applications due to their excellent antifriction properties and thermal stability. This article examines the effect of combined fillers (carbon fibers and zeolite) on the mechanical, tribological properties, and structure of polytetrafluoroethylene. It is shown that the introduction of combined fillers into polytetrafluoroethylene retains the tensile strength and elongation at break at a content of 1–5 wt.% of carbon fibers, the compressive stress increased by 53%, and the yield stress increased by 45% relative to the initial polymer. The wear resistance of polymer composites increased 810-fold compared to the initial polytetrafluoroethylene while maintaining a low coefficient of friction. The structural features of polymer composites are characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.