Friction and Wear Characteristics of Spherical Plain Bearings with PTFE Woven Liners

Abstract

The friction and wear behaviors of three kinds of spherical plain bearings with PTFE woven liners were investigated by a high oscillating frequency and heavy load tribo-tester. Dry sliding tests were carried out at an oscillating frequency of 1.2Hz and four different loads. With the help of SEM and EDS, the differences of worn surfaces of the three kinds were investigated. The results indicate that the wear depth and friction temperature for the three kinds of bearings show increasing trend with the increasing of load, while the friction coefficient is the opposite. The comprehensive performance of bearing II is the best in the whole course of experiment, while the bearing III is the worst. The adhesive and abrasive wear mechanisms are appeared on the surface of liners. The quality of boning influences the tribological property of the spherical plain bearing.