Study of Friction and Wear Properties of Metallic Fiber Filled PTFE Based Composite

The friction and wear properties of metallic fiber filled PTFE based composite against steel were evaluated with a reciprocating friction tester. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) were used to study the worn surfaces. It was found that metallic fiber is very effective to reduce wear, the hybrid metallic fibber is the most effective filler in reducing the wear of PTFE. Tests also show that a steel fiber increases slightly the friction factor of composites, while a copper fiber decreases slightly the friction factor. The dominant mechanism of the fiber in reducing wear is the load supporting action and the resistance of surface fracture of PTFE.